UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm as of early this morning, just 120 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and is poised to make landfall on Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center reports that Melissa is currently moving west at a sluggish pace of 5 mph, raising alarms across the Caribbean.
Residents of Jamaica and Hispaniola are bracing for a deluge, with forecasts predicting catastrophic rainfall amounts between 15 and 30 inches. Eastern Cuba is also at risk, expecting between 6 and 12 inches of rain. The slow movement of Melissa is likely to bring life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, particularly along Jamaica’s southern coast where dangerous storm surges are anticipated.
Authorities confirm that Hurricane Melissa is expected to strengthen further, with the possibility of reaching Category 5 intensity by tonight. As it heads towards Jamaica on Tuesday, the storm is expected to maintain its strength, potentially making landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane.
Jamaica is now under a hurricane warning, while a hurricane watch is in effect for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti and southeastern provinces of Cuba, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin.
Residents are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions, with emergency services on high alert. The impact of this storm could be devastating, with the potential for significant infrastructure damage and dangerous conditions for those in the path of the storm.
Keep updated with the latest developments as authorities monitor Hurricane Melissa’s trajectory. The situation is evolving rapidly, and safety precautions are crucial for those in affected areas.
Stay informed by tracking the storm’s progress through local weather services and official channels. Be prepared for potential evacuations and ensure that emergency supplies are ready.
For further updates, follow the Tracking the Tropics program every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. ET or tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
