Caribbean Braces for Unprecedented Impact from Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa has become the most powerful storm on Earth this year, intensifying rapidly into a rare Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 175 miles per hour and stronger gusts.
Currently located about 150 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, Melissa is producing catastrophic conditions as it slowly moves across the Caribbean, threatening to become the strongest hurricane ever recorded to hit Jamaica since records began in 1851.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of “life-threatening winds, flooding, and storm surge,” with up to 40 inches of rain and waves as high as 13 feet expected. This combination of wind and water is predicted to cause extensive damage to homes, roads, and power lines, isolating many communities for days. The hurricane’s slow movement means Jamaica will endure heavy rainfall and destructive winds for many hours.
At least eight people have died so far—three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one each in the Dominican Republic and elsewhere in the region. In addition, hundreds of homes have been flooded and numerous landslides have been reported. Evacuation orders were issued across Jamaica’s southern and coastal regions, including parts of Kingston, as officials urged residents to move to the 881 government-activated shelters.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness called on citizens to remain indoors and follow evacuation orders, saying, “We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger.” However, some residents have hesitated to leave their homes due to fears of looting. Authorities have used school buses to transport vulnerable people to safety, while emergency teams remain on standby for rescue operations.
Experts say Melissa’s extreme power is fueled by unusually warm ocean waters, which are contributing to stronger and more unpredictable hurricanes in recent years. As Melissa continues its slow and destructive path toward Jamaica and Cuba, forecasters warn that the coming days will bring catastrophic flooding, dangerous landslides, and widespread devastation across the region.