Photo: CIRA/NOAA
Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane, with winds reaching 75 mph, according to the US National Hurricane Center on Saturday (October 25). The storm is currently positioned 145 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, moving at a slow pace of just 1 mph. Forecasters predict that Melissa will rapidly intensify over the weekend, ptentially reaching Category 4 status before it makes landfall in Jamaica on Monday (October 28).
The hurricane is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including torrential rains, strong winds, and a significant storm surge. Jamaica is under a hurricane warning, and the island is preparing for what could be a catastrophic impact. Jamaica's Meteorological Service warned that the storm could bring up to 25 inches of rain, with localized areas receiving more than 30 inches. This could lead to life-threatening flash floods and landslides.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents to take the threat seriously and prepare for potential evacuations from flood-prone areas. The country's public hospitals have been in "emergency mode" since Thursday (October 23) to ensure readiness for the storm's impact. Airports in Jamaica are also making preparations, with potential closures being discussed.
Haiti and the Dominican Republic are already experiencing heavy rains, leading to flooding and landslides. At least three deaths have been reported in Haiti due to the storm, and more than 1,000 people have been displaced in the Dominican Republic. The slow movement of Hurricane Melissa is exacerbating these conditions, as the storm is expected to linger over the region for several days.
As Jamaica braces for impact, meteorologists are concerned about the potential for Melissa to become one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit the island. The storm's slow pace and expected intensification are reminiscent of past hurricanes that have caused significant damage in the Caribbean. The US mainland is not expected to be directly impacted by Melissa, but rough surf and rip currents could affect the East Coast next week.