A severe weather map illustrating the projected path of Hurricane Melissa is causing concern among experts, who warn of potentially catastrophic impacts affecting millions of people. The hurricane, currently with powerful 120mph (195 km/h) winds, is intensifying towards a rare Category 5 status as it slowly moves northwest towards Jamaica. Landfall is anticipated on Tuesday with the storm’s sluggish pace of 5mph heightening the risk of prolonged flooding and significant coastal and structural damage.
Comparisons have been drawn to the devastating Storm Gilbert of 1988, raising fears that Hurricane Melissa could surpass its impact. Jamaicans are being urged to seek immediate shelter in preparation for what is forecasted to be a significant weather event, as depicted by a forecast map from Ventusky outlining the expected developments over the coming days.
The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has issued warnings of damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for catastrophic flash flooding and landslides before the arrival of devastating winds by Monday night and Tuesday morning. Melissa is projected to move near or over Jamaica early Tuesday before advancing towards Cuba and the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday.
Forecasts indicate that Jamaica and southern Hispaniola could experience up to 30 inches (76 centimetres) of rainfall, with some areas possibly receiving as much as 40 inches (1 meter). Prime Minister Andrew Holness has advised citizens to prepare by securing homes with sandbags and wooden boards and stocking up on essentials for the challenging days ahead.
Weather warnings are in effect in parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba as Melissa’s impact is expected to escalate throughout the week before moving towards the Antillas Mayores and into the Atlantic. Tragically, there have already been reports of fatalities in Haiti due to landslides triggered by the hurricane.
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