Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Targets Jamaica, Cuba Next/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hurricane Melissa is set to strike Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the strongest ever recorded in the island’s history. The government has warned of widespread devastation, while officials in Cuba brace for impact next. With 175 mph winds, Melissa has already caused fatalities and is expected to affect millions across the Caribbean.
Hurricane Melissa Approaches Jamaica: Quick Looks
- Category 5 Hurricane Melissa to make landfall Tuesday
- Strongest storm ever recorded in Jamaica’s history
- Winds up to 175 mph, storm surge of 13 feet expected
- Three deaths in Jamaica, seven across the region
- Landfall expected near St. Elizabeth, exiting at St. Ann
- Hospitals evacuate patients, coastal areas brace for flooding
- Over 1.5 million people at risk from storm’s path
- U.N. and aid groups have emergency supplies pre-positioned
- Cuba evacuates 600,000 ahead of expected landfall
- Hurricane expected to reach Bahamas and Turks & Caicos next
Deep Look: Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Impact as Hurricane Melissa Makes History
KINGSTON, JAMAICA (AP) — Hurricane Melissa, now a powerful Category 5 storm, is on a direct collision course with Jamaica, bringing with it historic winds, devastating storm surges, and the potential for unprecedented destruction. With sustained winds of 175 mph (280 kph), Melissa is officially the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica since modern weather records began 174 years ago.
Government officials and disaster relief organizations warn that the storm poses a “total structural threat,” and millions across the Caribbean may feel its impact before it eventually turns northeast toward the Bahamas.
Jamaica Prepares for Unprecedented Storm
As Melissa’s eye nears Jamaica, it’s expected to make landfall Tuesday near St. Elizabeth parish in the south before slicing diagonally across the island and exiting through St. Ann in the north. Officials have reported landslides, widespread power outages, and downed trees even before the storm has fully arrived.
“There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” warned Prime Minister Andrew Holness. “The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.”
In Kingston, streets were eerily empty Tuesday morning, punctuated only by strong gusts of wind and the occasional stray dog. Officials have ordered evacuations in low-lying and flood-prone areas, though many residents are choosing to shelter in place due to uncertainty or fear.
“Many have never experienced anything like this,” said Colin Bogle of Mercy Corps. “The uncertainty is frightening. People fear losing homes, livelihoods, and their lives.”
13-Foot Storm Surge & Structural Damage Predicted
The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned of a life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along Jamaica’s southern coast. This has raised alarm about critical infrastructure, including hospitals.
“Some patients have been moved from the ground floor to higher levels,” said Health Minister Christopher Tufton, “and we hope that will suffice for any surge.”
The storm has already claimed seven lives across the region, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic, where another individual remains missing.
Emergency Response & Aid Mobilization
Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s minister for water and the environment, advised residents to conserve clean water and warned that even post-storm, resource shortages will persist.
“Every drop will count,” he said. The government has more than 50 generators ready to deploy in critical areas after the storm passes.
The International Federation of the Red Cross, U.N. agencies, and other aid groups have pre-positioned food, medicine, and emergency supplies in the region for immediate distribution once the storm clears.
“An estimated 1.5 million people are directly at risk,” said Necephor Mghendi, regional head of delegation for the Red Cross. “But the entire population may feel the impact one way or the other.”
Cuba Braces for Direct Hit
After battering Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is forecast to make landfall in eastern Cuba late Tuesday, particularly affecting the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin. The storm could dump as much as 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain in some areas and generate significant coastal flooding.
Cuban authorities have already evacuated over 600,000 residents, including many from Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city.
A hurricane warning remains in effect across eastern and central Cuba, while Las Tunas is under a tropical storm warning.
Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Beyond
Melissa’s outer bands have also impacted the southern coasts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where torrential rainfall and gusty winds have disrupted services and increased landslide risks. A tropical storm warning remains active for Haiti.
Bahamas & Turks and Caicos in the Storm’s Path
Forecast models show Hurricane Melissa turning northeast after exiting Cuba, putting it on a trajectory toward the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday evening.
A hurricane warning is currently in effect for the central and southeastern Bahamas, while a tropical storm warning covers the Turks and Caicos Islands.
With the storm’s intensity and erratic movement, officials across the region are urging residents to finalize preparations and heed all evacuation orders.
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