Overview of Hurricane Melissa’s Current Status and Path
Hurricane Melissa, previously a tropical storm, has rapidly intensified and is now classified as a Category 4 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States. It is currently located approximately 210 kilometers southeast of Kingston and 400 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Potential Impacts and Preparations
The rapidly strengthening hurricane is expected to bring catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola by early next week. This has prompted both authorities and residents to prepare for its arrival.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, urged all citizens to be prepared during a press conference in Kingston. He stated that the entire island would be affected for several days, with residents in low-lying areas like Port Royal advised to evacuate voluntarily.
Hurricane Melissa’s Details
According to the NHC, Hurricane Melissa has maximum sustained winds of around 150 kilometers per hour. The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Jamaica as a Category 4 storm on Tuesday and remain for five days, with wind speeds ranging from 209 to 241 kilometers per hour.
Evan Thompson, Director-General of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, emphasized that “today is the last day for people to take necessary precautions outside.”
Community Response and Preparations
As the hurricane approaches, Jamaicans are rushing to stock up on supplies and secure their homes. Fishermen and vendors in Kingston are racing to prepare their boats and sell their goods before the storm hits.
“When it moves slowly, it’s the worst because nobody knows what to expect,” said Diane Thompson, a local herb vendor. “I’ve prayed to God this morning to see if He can reverse the storm. Regardless of what happens, we cannot control it.”
Forecasted Rainfall and Storm Surges
The NHC predicts that Hurricane Melissa will bring 38 to 76 centimeters of rainfall in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with a possible local maximum of 101 centimeters. Eastern Cuba is expected to receive 15 to 30 centimeters, while some areas may see up to 45 centimeters.
Significant storm surges of up to 3.96 meters, accompanied by large and destructive waves, are anticipated along southern Jamaica’s coast. Meanwhile, southeastern Cuba is expected to experience substantial storm surges early next week.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane Melissa? Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of around 150 kilometers per hour. It is currently located approximately 210 kilometers southeast of Kingston and 400 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
- When is Hurricane Melissa expected to make landfall in Jamaica? The hurricane is forecasted to make landfall in Jamaica as a Category 4 storm on Tuesday and remain for five days.
- What precautions are being taken by Jamaican authorities and residents? Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged all citizens to prepare, with residents in low-lying areas advised to evacuate voluntarily. People are stocking up on supplies and securing their homes.
- What are the expected impacts of Hurricane Melissa? The hurricane is expected to bring catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola. Rainfall amounts range from 38 to 76 centimeters, with possible local maxima of 101 centimeters. Significant storm surges of up to 3.96 meters are anticipated along southern Jamaica’s coast and in southeastern Cuba early next week.
