Hurricane Melissa, the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, has gone from a tropical storm to a major Category 4 hurricane in under three days. The storm is currently on a path toward Jamaica, as well as the island of Hispaniola. It brings extreme dangers, such as life-threatening and destructive flooding, catastrophic landslides, dangerous winds, and extensive power outages. Federal, state, and local officials are watching the storm, now Hurricane Melissa, slam into the islands with dangerous intensity.
As of Sunday morning, Hurricane Melissa was centered around 120 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital. It was the reason why it was located about 280 miles southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba. The storm is expected to bring extremely heavy rain. Estimates forecast that western Jamaica and the southern half of Hispaniola may receive 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 cm) of rain. Isolated communities could see even worse catastrophic accumulations, with some models predicting as much as 40 inches of rainfall.
Immediate Threats to Jamaica
In anticipation of the storm’s impact, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued urgent warnings to residents in flood-prone areas. Russell continued to underscore the need to follow evacuation orders and be ready for the next big storm.
“If you live in an area that was flooded before, expect that it will flood again,” – Andrew Holness.
The Prime Minister’s comments reflect the seriousness of the situation as Hurricane Melissa has begun to impact the country with heavy rains and dangerous winds. Those circumstances have already led to dozens of deaths throughout the area. A 13-year-old boy who disappeared in Jamaica three weeks ago. The Dominican Republic has reported as fatal a case of a 79-year-old man swept away by a swollen stream.
Local officials are imploring citizens to heed these warnings, especially for those who live in hurricane-prone coastal locations. As the storm subsides, government leaders worry that flooding and landslides will cause even more death and damage.
Impact on Hispaniola and Haiti
The impacts of Hurricane Melissa are already being felt in Haiti, where pounding rains and mudslides from the storm have already killed at least 10 people. According to reports, at least three people have died due to Hurricane Matthew’s effects in Haiti. As officials continue to assess damage and respond to emergencies, the situation is ever evolving and still very dangerous.
As Hurricane Melissa continues on its current path, it will likely create even more havoc throughout Hispaniola. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned that the storm will likely undergo “continued rapid intensification… followed by fluctuations in intensity.” This chaotic nature only compounds worries over how the storm will impact both Jamaica and Hispaniola.
Community Responses and Preparedness
Communities across Jamaica are organizing and coming together as they ready themselves for Hurricane Melissa’s brutal attack. New local shelters are opening for people who could need to evacuate, and emergency services are on standby.
For residents such as Angelita Francisco, the feeling of powerlessness hangs heavily over the approaching catastrophe.
“You feel powerless, unable to do anything, just run away and leave everything behind,” – Angelita Francisco.
While we prepare for whatever this storm may bring, countless others are joining together to provide hope and healing during these uncertain times. Emergency responders are scaling up to rescue more people than ever and ensuring that they reach the most at-risk communities with critical resources.