Hurricane Melissa Intensifies to Category 3, Threatens Jamaica and Haiti

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm, bringing torrential rain and the threat of catastrophic flooding to Jamaica and southern Haiti. As of late Saturday night, the hurricane was located approximately 125 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. Meteorologists predict that Melissa will continue to strengthen further as it approaches landfall early next week.

In a statement, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents to take the weather threat seriously. “Take all measures to protect yourself,” he advised. The storm is expected to be near or over Cuba by midweek, prompting the Cuban government to issue a hurricane watch for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin.

Impact and Preparations

The hurricane’s slow movement poses significant risks. Forecasters estimate that Jamaica could receive up to 30 inches of rain, leading to severe flooding and landslides. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned that the storm could linger for several days, exacerbating the situation.

Authorities in Jamaica have activated over 650 shelters and stocked warehouses with food supplies for those in need. The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston is set to close at 20:00 local time, although the status of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay remains unclear.

In Haiti, the storm has already claimed at least three lives, with reports of additional injuries due to a collapsed wall. Officials have noted rising river levels and flooding, particularly in the northeast region, where a bridge has been destroyed. Ronald Délice, a director of civil protection in Haiti, reported that local authorities are distributing food kits, although many residents are hesitant to evacuate.

Regional Effects and Future Projections

The effects of Hurricane Melissa are not limited to Jamaica and Haiti. The storm has damaged nearly 200 homes in the Dominican Republic, disrupting water supply systems and isolating numerous communities due to flooding. More than half a million residents have been affected by these disruptions.

According to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, the storm could bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to the Southeast and Central Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, by early next week.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted an above-normal season, with expectations of 13 to 18 named storms.

As Hurricane Melissa continues its path through the Caribbean, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for potentially life-threatening conditions.