One of the most potent hurricanes in over three decades is poised to strike the Caribbean, leading to severe flooding in Jamaica.
Hurricane Melissa has been progressing through the Caribbean Sea and escalated to Category 4 by late Sunday (26 October), with sustained winds of 145mph (230kph) and a westward movement at 5mph (7kph).
It is projected to elevate to Category 5 intensity by Monday night, with wind speeds surpassing 157mph (250kph) as it turns northeastward towards Jamaica.
By midday Tuesday, Melissa is scheduled to hit Jamaica with winds reaching up to 160mph (257kph), potentially making it one of the most forceful hurricanes to impact the Caribbean nation historically.
Prior to Melissa, the most robust hurricane was recorded over 30 years ago in 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert pummeled Jamaica with 130mph winds.
Melissa is expected to pass close to or over Jamaica before traversing Cuba into the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday, according to the US National Hurricane Center.
The forecast anticipates up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rainfall on Jamaica and southern Hispaniola – Haiti and the Dominican Republic – with certain regions expected to receive as much as 40 inches (1 meter) of rainfall.
As Jamaica prepares for the disruptive hurricane, a live stream video has been established on YouTube to monitor the impacts. Situated on Kingston’s Jamaica Street, it is a popular locale featuring the renowned clock tower and bustling traffic.
You can also view it here.
Jamaica seems to be in the crosshairs of Melissa’s triple threat – excessive rainfall and flooding, destructive winds, and hazardous storm surge.
Although the storm is anticipated to hit the island early Tuesday, heavy rainfall has already commenced spreading across Jamaica as of Sunday.
Jamaican residents have been urged to “seek shelter now,” as stated by the NHC on Sunday morning.
“Damaging winds and heavy rainfall today and on Monday will result in catastrophic and life-threatening flash floods and numerous landslides before potentially devastating winds arrive Monday night and Tuesday morning.”
Extended heavy rainfall is predicted to persist for several days, posing life-threatening and potentially catastrophic hazards.
Meanwhile, Haiti continues to grapple with Melissa’s hazardous flooding and landslide risks.
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