Jamaican officials have issued urgent warnings as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island, threatening to become the most powerful storm ever recorded in the region. Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Do not take this lightly. Do not make foolish decisions. Do not make stupid decisions like coming out into the middle of the storm to see what’s happening.” The government is taking all necessary precautions as the storm's intensity is expected to rise over the weekend.
In response to the impending storm, all airports in Jamaica will close at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Minister Vaz confirmed that the last flight of the day will be allowed to land if delayed, but all subsequent flights will be suspended until further notice. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of travelers and airport staff as Hurricane Melissa approaches.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Melissa is projected to reach Category 4 strength as it moves across Jamaica. Evan Thompson, the principal director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, remarked, “There is nowhere that will escape the wrath of this storm.” The storm is expected to bring an alarming amount of rainfall, with forecasts predicting “20 to 30 inches of rain,” which could lead to severe flooding and landslides.
Jamie Rhome, Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center, described the situation as “very concerning.” He urged anyone with friends and family in the affected areas to reach out, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions. “If you’ve got someone down there on vacation, it’s imperative that you get in touch with them,” Rhome advised.
The impact of Hurricane Melissa is not limited to Jamaica. In the Dominican Republic, approximately 90 residents have evacuated from Saona Island as a precautionary measure. The country's Civil Defense agency announced the evacuations on Facebook, highlighting the importance of safety amidst the storm. Additionally, the Guantanamo Province government in Cuba has ordered the evacuation of 145,000 people from eastern regions to minimize risk.
In Haiti, the storm has already resulted in injuries and fatalities. Reports from the Haitian Civil Protection Agency indicate that 15 individuals have been injured and at least three lives have been lost due to incidents related to the storm. Tragically, two people died in a landslide near Port-au-Prince, while an elderly man was killed by a falling tree in Marigot.
As of 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Hurricane Melissa was moving slowly west-northwest at 1 mph, approximately 145 miles southeast of Kingston. The hurricane center has issued warnings of “life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and landslides” expected across Jamaica and southern Hispaniola as the storm progresses over the weekend. In the Dominican Republic, more than 500,000 residents have already lost water service, with downed trees and traffic disruptions complicating the situation.
As Hurricane Melissa approaches, it is crucial for residents and visitors alike to heed warnings and stay updated on the latest developments to ensure their safety during this potentially devastating storm.
