Hurricane Melissa Strikes: 175 mph Winds, Lives At Risk in Jamaica

UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified, now boasting sustained winds of 175 mph, making it one of the strongest storms on record in the Atlantic basin. As the hurricane approaches Jamaica, the situation has turned dire, with officials warning of “extreme devastation and danger.”

Melissa’s powerful winds have already claimed lives in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The storm is currently moving northwest at a crawl of just 2 mph, with the eye expected to reach Jamaica’s southern coast by Tuesday morning. However, impacts will begin much earlier, with tropical-storm-force winds predicted to hit the island after midnight.

The National Hurricane Center warns that Jamaica will face hurricane conditions just before sunrise, with sustained winds reaching up to 175 mph. Gusts could exceed 200 mph, posing a significant threat, particularly in mountainous areas. Due to Melissa’s slow movement, the damaging effects—including severe winds, flooding rain, and storm surge—will persist much longer than typical hurricanes, with up to 40 inches of rain expected and storm surges reaching 13 feet.

Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles, emphasized the urgency of evacuation orders, stating they are a “directive to save your life.” He noted, “If you are in a low-lying, flood-prone area, now is the time to take no chances and not to gamble.” Emergency transport is underway, with buses mobilized to evacuate individuals to safety.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is preparing to deploy staff to Cuba and Jamaica, aiming to bolster coordination and humanitarian efforts. “OCHA and its partners are supporting authorities ahead of further impacts,” the office stated.

As Hurricane Melissa continues its path, it is expected to maintain its strength while passing over eastern Cuba, bringing with it damaging winds and catastrophic flooding. Fortunately, forecasts indicate that Melissa will not directly impact the United States, thanks to a strong cold front acting as a protective barrier along the East Coast.

However, the storm’s effects will still be felt, with rough seas and increased rip current risks expected along the East Coast starting Wednesday as Melissa transitions into the Atlantic. Those impacts are likely to last through the weekend, affecting beachgoers and coastal communities.

With the situation developing rapidly, residents are urged to heed all warnings and take necessary precautions. Stay tuned for the latest updates as Hurricane Melissa continues to evolve.