Hurricane Melissa Set to Hit Jamaica as Most Powerful Storm on Record

Hurricane Melissa is on course to strike Jamaica on March 5, 2024, as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, marking it as the strongest hurricane to impact the island in recorded history. The storm’s expected landfall will occur early Tuesday, entering near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and exiting around St. Ann parish in the north, according to meteorological forecasts.

Prior to the storm’s arrival, the Jamaican government announced extensive preparations, yet warned of potential catastrophic damage. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the limitations of local infrastructure, stating, “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5. The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.”

Severe Weather Conditions and Impact on Communities

In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica has reported landslides, fallen trees, and widespread power outages. The storm is projected to deliver between 15 to 30 inches of rain across Jamaica and between 6 to 12 inches to southern Hispaniola, with the possibility of totals reaching 40 inches in certain areas. The hurricane center has warned of “catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides.”

Eastern Cuba is also bracing for impact, with rainfall totals expected to reach 10 to 20 inches, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions. The southeastern Bahamas may see rainfall between 5 to 10 inches during the same period.

A dangerous storm surge of up to 13 feet is anticipated along southern Jamaica, raising concerns about the safety of coastal hospitals. Health Minister Christopher Tufton indicated that some patients were relocated from ground floors to higher levels as a precaution. He stated, “We hope that will suffice for any surge that will take place.”

Humanitarian Concerns and Government Response

Hurricane Melissa has already been linked to seven fatalities across the Caribbean, with three reported in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. Currently, the storm is positioned approximately 135 miles southwest of Kingston and 310 miles southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba, with maximum sustained winds reaching 175 mph.

Residents in Jamaica are feeling the pressure, with many families choosing to shelter in place despite government evacuation orders for flood-prone areas. Colin Bogle, an advisor for Mercy Corps, noted the fear gripping communities, saying, “Many have never experienced anything like this before, and the uncertainty is frightening.” He highlighted concerns over potential losses of homes, livelihoods, and safety.

In response to the impending storm, Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s water and environment minister, mentioned that over 50 generators are prepared for deployment post-storm, while urging residents to conserve clean water. “Every drop will count,” he remarked.

As Hurricane Melissa continues its path, forecasts indicate it will impact eastern Cuba late Tuesday. A hurricane warning is currently in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín provinces, while Las Tunas is under a tropical storm warning. Cuban officials have begun evacuating over 600,000 people from vulnerable regions, including the city of Santiago.

After passing through Cuba, Hurricane Melissa is likely to turn northeast, affecting the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday evening. A hurricane warning is also in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas, with a tropical storm warning issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The U.S. State Department has issued natural disaster travel alerts for Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas, advising citizens to consider leaving while flights are still available or to prepare for sheltering in place.

As meteorologists continue to monitor the situation, a Hurricane Hunters aircraft from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had to abort its mission due to severe turbulence in the storm’s southwestern eyewall.