Hurricane Melissa Becomes Category 3 Storm, Threatens Jamaica and Haiti

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm, bringing with it the threat of catastrophic flooding and landslides to Jamaica and southern Haiti. As of late Saturday night, the hurricane was positioned approximately 125 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 280 miles west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 115 mph and is currently moving west at a sluggish pace of just 3 mph.

US forecasters have predicted that Melissa may strengthen further, potentially becoming a major hurricane upon making landfall in Jamaica early next week. By midweek, the storm is expected to be near or over Cuba. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged citizens to heed the warnings, stating, “I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously. Take all measures to protect yourself.”

Flooding and Casualties Reported

The slow-moving storm has already resulted in tragic consequences, causing at least three fatalities in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with another individual reported missing. According to the National Hurricane Center, torrential rains of up to 30 inches are anticipated for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, which includes both Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

In Haiti, local authorities reported rising river levels, widespread flooding, and a collapsed wall that injured five individuals. In the northeastern town of Sainte-Suzanne, a bridge was destroyed due to breached riverbanks. Ronald Délice, a civil protection director in Haiti, expressed concern about the storm’s trajectory, noting, “The storm is causing a lot of concern with the way it’s moving.” Despite the risks, many residents remain hesitant to evacuate their homes.

In the Dominican Republic, the storm has damaged nearly 200 homes and disrupted water supply systems, affecting over half a million customers. The storm also downed trees and traffic lights, triggered small landslides, and left more than two dozen communities isolated due to floodwaters.

Emergency Preparations in Jamaica and Cuba

In response to the looming threat, Jamaican authorities have activated over 650 shelters across the island. The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston is set to close at 20:00 local time on Saturday. Officials have assured that warehouses are well-stocked with emergency supplies, and thousands of food packages are prepositioned for rapid distribution if needed.

Meanwhile, the Cuban government has issued a hurricane watch for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has indicated that Melissa may also bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to islands in the Southeast and Central Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, early next week.

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

As Hurricane Melissa continues its slow progression through the Caribbean, the impact on vulnerable communities remains a critical concern. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for severe weather conditions and to prioritize safety as the storm approaches.