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Hurricane Melissa Jamaica warning has prompted urgent evacuations and widespread alerts as the storm intensifies into a powerful hurricane. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned Saturday that Melissa could reach Category 4 strength within days, bringing catastrophic rain and flooding to Jamaica and neighboring islands.
Rapid Intensification and Dangerous Path
Melissa’s maximum sustained winds have reached 75 mph (120 kph), and forecasters expect “rapid intensification” as the system moves slowly toward the northwest. The NHC reported the storm about 145 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 235 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
“Melissa has become a hurricane,” said the NHC on Saturday afternoon. “It will strengthen further and become a major hurricane by Sunday.”
The storm is moving at just 1 mph (2 kph), which raises fears of prolonged rainfall. Meteorologists warned of up to 25 inches (64 cm) of rain in Jamaica and as much as 35 inches (89 cm) across southern Haiti, especially the Tiburon peninsula.
Widespread Flooding and Power Outages
Authorities in Jamaica said all airports will close within 24 hours of the hurricane warning. Over 650 emergency shelters have opened, and warehouses are stocked with essential supplies. “I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
The NHC warned that Melissa’s slow pace could cause multi-day flooding, landslides, and power outages across the northern Caribbean. It also expects the storm to impact eastern Cuba by early Wednesday. However, depending on tone or context, you can choose slightly different variants — here’s how they compare:
Rising Death Toll in Haiti and Dominican Republic
Haitian officials reported three deaths and five injuries after a wall collapsed during heavy rain. Flooding and rising river levels destroyed bridges in Sainte-Suzanne, isolating communities. “The storm is causing major concern,” said Ronald Délice from Haiti’s civil protection department.
In the Dominican Republic, nearly 200 homes were damaged, and half a million people lost water access. Floodwaters also cut off more than two dozen communities.
Threat Expands to Bahamas
The Bahamas Meteorology Department warned that tropical storm or hurricane conditions could reach the Southeast and Central Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands early next week.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-average season, with up to 18 named storms possible
