~Catastrophic Impact Underway~
KINGSTON, JAMAICA:--- A storm of unprecedented strength has struck Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope in Westmoreland Parish on Tuesday afternoon as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Shortly after landfall, the storm weakened slightly to Category 4 at around 150 mph (241 km/h) as it moved across northwestern Jamaica.
What’s happening on the ground
- The NHC characterized the situation as: “This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation”, and emphasized that catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and storm surge are underway in Jamaica.
- Reports across the island describe roofs torn off, flooding in low-lying areas, blocked roads in mountain regions and major power outages.
- Some estimates suggest over one-third of power customers in Jamaica lost electricity, and numerous structural damages (including hospitals) have been reported.
- Storm surge of up to 4 metres (≈13 feet) is expected along the south coast, and rainfall totals of up to 30 inches (≈760 mm) or more are being forecast for some interior areas.
The forecast & concerns
- Melissa is moving slowly, which heightens the rainfall and flooding risk across Jamaica’s mountainous terrain.
- After crossing Jamaica, the storm is projected to head toward eastern Cuba and potentially the Bahamas, still as a major hurricane. Jamaican officials say full damage assessment will take time, and aid efforts are being mobilized.
- Jamaican authorities and regional partners describe this event as possibly the worst natural disaster in the island’s history given the intensity and expected scope of impact.
Government & emergency response
- The Jamaican government declared a state of emergency and activated emergency shelters nationwide.
- Mandatory evacuations were ordered in especially vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. Despite that, some communities reportedly opted to remain in place.
- International humanitarian and relief agencies are already preparing to deliver assistance post-storm.
- Key take-aways
- Intensity: Hurricane Melissa was among the strongest Atlantic landfalls ever recorded when it struck Jamaica.
- Duration & Risk: Slow forward speed + mountainous terrain = enhanced risk of floods, landslides and prolonged disruption.
- Recovery: Significant disruption to power, infrastructure, transport and housing is expected; the full scope of damage will become clearer in the coming days and weeks.
- Advice: Residents should stay sheltered, avoid travel, keep away from flood zones, and await official clearance before venturing out.