Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 storm as it moves northwest through the Caribbean toward Jamaica, the National Hurricane Center reported Monday. The storm has already left at least three people dead in the region and forced the closure of Jamaica’s airports, leaving residents and tourists stranded.
Historic Threat to Jamaica
Meteorologists warn that Melissa could become the most powerful storm ever to strike Jamaica, surpassing Hurricane Gilbert of 1988, which hit as a Category 4 with winds of 130 mph. As of Monday morning, Melissa’s sustained winds reached 160 mph. Officials have compared the potential aftermath to historic storms such as Katrina, Sandy, and Michael.
Rainfall and Flooding Fears
The NHC forecast warns of 15 to 30 inches of rain across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, with localized totals reaching 40 inches. Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are expected, particularly across Jamaica’s southern and mountainous regions.
Peak Impact Expected Monday Night into Tuesday
Tropical-storm-force winds have already begun across the island, with hurricane conditions expected late Monday through Wednesday morning. The 24-hour window from midday Monday to midday Tuesday is predicted to bring the storm’s most destructive impact, with the worst expected to pass by early Wednesday.
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