Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica With Catastrophic Flooding and Deadly Conditions

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 major hurricane, bringing with it torrential rain, destructive winds, and life-threatening flooding across parts of the northern Caribbean. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Melissa could strengthen even further to Category 5 status, posing catastrophic risks to Jamaica and Haiti in the coming days.

The NHC warned that Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica’s southern coast late Monday or early Tuesday, producing flash floods, landslides, and storm surge capable of severe destruction.

“Conditions in Jamaica are going to go down rapidly today,” said Jamie Rhome, NHC’s deputy director. “Be ready to ride this out for several days.”

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to take the storm seriously, emphasizing:

“Take all measures to protect yourself.”

Meteorologists described Melissa as potentially the most powerful hurricane ever to strike Jamaica, with rainfall totals reaching 30 to 40 inches in some areas.

Storm Surge and Rainfall Threat

The hurricane is forecast to generate a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet along Jamaica’s southern coast, accompanied by large, destructive waves. Officials expect widespread flooding, power outages, and major infrastructure damage as the storm stalls over the island.

The slow-moving nature of Melissa worsens the danger, as it may linger over the region for days, dumping relentless rainfall and preventing quick recovery efforts.

Regional Impacts

Melissa has already left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean:

Haiti: At least three people killed and five injured after a wall collapse. Rising rivers and destroyed bridges have isolated multiple communities.
Dominican Republic: One person dead, 200 homes damaged, and over half a million people without water due to damaged supply systems.
Cuba: A hurricane watch has been issued for eastern provinces including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín, with rainfall of up to 12 inches expected.

Preparations Across Jamaica

Authorities in Jamaica have activated Level 3 emergency protocols, opening over 650 shelters and pre-positioning thousands of food packages and relief supplies.

Both of the island’s main airports have closed:

Norman Manley International Airport (Kingston) shut down at 9 p.m. Saturday.
Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay) closed Sunday at midday.

Officials have reinforced coastal areas with sandbags and tied down fishing boats in harbors such as Rae Town, East Kingston, as residents brace for impact.

“There is nowhere that will escape the wrath of this hurricane,” warned Richard Thompson, Acting Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Next in Melissa’s Path

After battering Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is expected to move toward Cuba by late Tuesday and the Bahamas by Wednesday, continuing to threaten the region with heavy rain and strong winds.

Meteorologists caution that even if Melissa weakens slightly, its slow movement and intense rainfall could result in prolonged flooding and extensive damage.