Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 hurricane and continues to strengthen over the Caribbean Sea, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Meteorologists warn that Melissa could potentially develop into a Category 5 hurricane as it approaches Jamaica in the coming days.
A hurricane warning is now in effect for Jamaica, where emergency preparations are underway as authorities urge residents to seek shelter immediately. Communities across the island are bracing for catastrophic flash flooding, destructive winds, and deadly landslides as Melissa slowly moves toward the southern coast.
The storm is currently moving at 5 mph (8 km/h) with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h). Its slow forward motion is expected to worsen the situation by prolonging heavy rainfall over the same areas for several days.
During a national briefing on Saturday, Evan Thompson, Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, warned that Melissa could be more destructive than Hurricane Wilma in 2005. “It’s going to sit there pouring water while it’s barely moving,” he said. “We are facing widespread, life-threatening floods if the current forecast holds.”
The NHC predicts Melissa will reach Jamaica’s southern coastline by Tuesday morning. Rainfall totals are forecast to reach 15–30 inches (38–76 cm) across Jamaica and parts of southern Hispaniola, with some areas potentially receiving up to 40 inches (100 cm) of rain.
In Haiti, a hurricane watch has been issued for areas stretching from the Dominican border to Port-au-Prince. At least three deaths have been reported in Haiti due to landslides and falling trees triggered by early rainfall. In the Dominican Republic, one person has died due to flash flooding.
The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) confirmed that the National Water Commission has activated full emergency protocols. Hospitals, children’s homes, and correctional facilities will be prioritized for water deliveries if infrastructure is damaged. Authorities also warned residents about displaced crocodiles that may emerge from flooded rivers and wetlands.
The effects of Hurricane Melissa are expected to extend beyond Jamaica and Hispaniola. Eastern Cuba, the Southeast Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have been advised to closely monitor the storm. The U.S. Navy has ordered evacuations of non-essential personnel from Guantanamo Bay ahead of expected hurricane-force winds.
As Melissa continues to intensify, officials across the region are urging residents to prepare emergency supplies, follow evacuation orders, and stay tuned to trusted weather updates. This remains a dangerous and evolving situation with severe humanitarian impact expected in the coming days.
