Hurricane Melissa, now classified as a Category 4 hurricane, is on a path towards Jamaica and Cuba, posing a significant threat of devastating floods, landslides, and storm surges, as reported by the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) on Sunday. With sustained winds reaching 140 miles per hour (220 kilometers per hour), Melissa is anticipated to intensify as it approaches Jamaica, where it is predicted to make landfall either late Monday night or early Tuesday morning, before moving towards southeastern Cuba by late Tuesday.
Authorities in Jamaica have urged residents to seek shelter in nearly 900 designated locations across the country and have facilitated assistance for those opting to evacuate. Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued mandatory evacuation orders for Port Royal in Kingston and six other areas on Sunday evening, emphasizing the severe flooding risks faced by numerous communities, particularly in low-lying regions like Kingston.
Preventative measures have led to the closure of both international airports in anticipation of the storm’s impact. Despite evacuation efforts, some residents have chosen to remain in their homes, with reports of individuals refusing to utilize evacuation transportation services.
The NHC has issued alarming projections, indicating that Melissa could bring rainfall amounts ranging from 15 to 30 inches to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with localized totals potentially reaching 40 inches. Meanwhile, eastern Cuba is expected to receive between 10 to 15 inches of rain, with potential local accumulations of up to 20 inches.
Jamaica’s Information Minister, Dana Morris Dixon, has confirmed that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency stands ready to provide support, with various international partners already committing assistance. Expressing concern over unprecedented rainfall estimates, Morris Dixon emphasized the gravity of the situation as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the region.