Hurricane Melissa is anticipated to rapidly escalate into a significant storm by Sunday, raising serious concerns for residents across the Caribbean. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, this powerful hurricane is poised to unleash life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding, as well as landslides, particularly impacting parts of Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, which includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
As of Saturday evening, Hurricane Melissa was categorized as a Category 2 storm, moving at a sluggish pace of just three miles per hour. With top sustained winds now reaching 100 miles per hour, the storm's slow progression is set to bring an overwhelming deluge of rain to affected areas, potentially prolonging its dangerous impact for several days. A hurricane watch has been issued for Haiti, extending from its border with the Dominican Republic all the way to Port-au-Prince. Late Saturday, the storm was approximately 250 miles southwest of the Haitian capital and closing in on Kingston, Jamaica.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Jamaican officials stressed the urgency for residents to prepare for the impending storm. Evan Thompson, Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, warned that Hurricane Melissa could surpass previous devastating storms like Hurricane Wilma in 2005. He highlighted the storm's potential to linger over the region, resulting in significant rainfall. "It's going to sit there pouring water while it's barely moving, and that is a significant challenge that we have to be aware of," Thompson stated. He emphasized the likelihood of widespread, catastrophic flooding if the predicted rainfall amounts materialize.
The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Hurricane Melissa will make landfall in Jamaica early next week. The center predicts that Jamaica and parts of southern Hispaniola could receive between 15 to 30 inches of rain by midweek. Alarmingly, some local areas may experience rainfall totals as high as 40 inches, exacerbating the risk of flooding and landslides.
In light of the looming crisis, the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) reported that the island's National Water Commission has fully activated its emergency protocols. Key facilities such as hospitals, children's homes, and correctional institutions will be prioritized for water supply transported by truck, should disruptions occur. Additionally, residents have been cautioned to remain vigilant, as floods may cause local wildlife, including crocodiles, to be displaced from their natural habitats.
Tragically, the intense rainfall associated with Hurricane Melissa has already resulted in fatalities. At least one person has died in the Dominican Republic due to the severe weather, while three individuals have lost their lives in Haiti from landslides and fallen trees. The National Hurricane Center has described the potential for flash flooding and landslides in southwestern Haiti as catastrophic and life-threatening, underscoring the urgent need for preparedness in the region.
As the situation develops, residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed and heed all warnings from local authorities to ensure their safety during this natural disaster.