On Saturday, U.S. forecasters announced a hurricane warning for Jamaica as Storm Melissa escalated to hurricane strength, posing a significant threat of catastrophic flooding in the northern Caribbean region. A hurricane warning indicates that winds of at least 74 mph (119 kph) are anticipated in the area within the next 36 hours.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center confirmed that “Melissa has become a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.” The center further stated, “Rapid intensification is expected, and Melissa is forecast to become a major hurricane tomorrow.” The slow-moving storm is likely to unleash torrential rainfall, with estimates reaching up to 25 inches (64 centimeters) on Jamaica.
A similar rainfall forecast has been issued for the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, effective through Monday. The National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening flooding and landslides, especially across the Tiburon peninsula in southwestern Haiti, where up to 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rainfall could occur.
The erratic nature of the storm has already resulted in tragic consequences, with at least three fatalities reported in Haiti and another in the Dominican Republic, where one person is still unaccounted for. Jamie Rhome, the deputy director of the hurricane center, noted, “Unfortunately for places along the projected path of this storm, it is increasingly dire.” He emphasized that the storm is expected to maintain its slow pace for up to four days.
As of Saturday afternoon, Hurricane Melissa was situated approximately 145 miles (230 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 235 miles (380 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm was moving west-northwest at a sluggish speed of 1 mph (2 kph), with maximum sustained winds recorded at 75 mph (120 kph).
A hurricane warning is currently in effect for Jamaica, while a hurricane watch remains active for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti. Forecasters predict that the center of Melissa will approach or pass over Jamaica early next week. Moreover, it is anticipated that Melissa will escalate to a major hurricane by Sunday and could potentially reach Category 4 status by early Monday.
Authorities in Jamaica have issued warnings that all airports will close within 24 hours following the declaration of a hurricane warning. Over 650 shelters have been activated across the island, with officials ensuring that warehouses are well-stocked. Thousands of food packages have been prepositioned for rapid distribution if necessary.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to take the weather threat seriously, stating, “Take all measures to protect yourself.” The hurricane center reiterated the urgent need for preparedness, indicating that Jamaica’s preparations should be finalized today. The slow movement of Melissa brings a risk of multi-day damaging winds, heavy rainfall, catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and prolonged power outages.
In Haiti, the storm has already claimed three lives, with additional reports of rising river levels, localized flooding, and structural damages, including a collapsed wall resulting in injuries to five individuals. Local authorities are actively distributing food kits while many residents remain hesitant to evacuate their homes.
In the Dominican Republic, Hurricane Melissa has caused damage to nearly 200 homes and disrupted water supply systems, affecting over half a million customers. The storm has also downed trees, traffic lights, and triggered small landslides, isolating multiple communities due to extensive flooding.
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has warned that Melissa could bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to islands in the Southeast and Central Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands by early next week. As the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, Melissa is part of a forecasted above-normal season, with estimates of 13 to 18 named storms.
As the situation develops, residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines issued by local authorities and meteorological services.
