A severe weather map tracking Hurricane Melissa reveals the anticipated intensification of the storm, with experts cautioning that “millions of individuals are facing potential catastrophic consequences.”
Hurricane Melissa, with winds reaching 120mph (195 km/h), is progressing towards a rare Category 5 status as it slowly advances northwest towards Jamaica, expected to make landfall on Tuesday. The sluggish movement at just 5mph prolongs the risk of flooding, significant waves, and increased damage to coastal areas and structures.
Comparisons to the devastating Storm Gilbert of 1988 have raised concerns that Hurricane Melissa could surpass its impact. Jamaicans are advised to seek immediate shelter in preparation for the impending severe weather event, depicted in a forecast map by Ventusky outlining the upcoming days.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of the imminent arrival of damaging winds and heavy rainfall, anticipating life-threatening flash flooding and landslides before potentially destructive winds hit on Monday night and Tuesday morning.
According to the NHC, Melissa is projected to pass near or over Jamaica early Tuesday before traversing Cuba towards the southeastern Bahamas. Current estimates suggest rainfall amounts up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) on Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, potentially reaching 40 inches (1 meter) in certain areas.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged citizens to prepare for the impending crisis, emphasizing the importance of securing homes with sandbags and supplies for the challenging days ahead.
Weather alerts are also in place for parts of Haiti, including Port-au-Prince, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba, set to face the impact of Hurricane Melissa before its progression through the Antillas Mayores into the Atlantic.
Tragically, the storm has already caused casualties, with reports of two fatalities in Haiti due to landslides triggered by the hurricane, as disclosed by the nation’s Civil Protection agency.
