Hurricane Melissa has become a catastrophic Category 5 storm, threatening Jamaica and Haiti with deluges, landslides, and destructive storm surge.
Jamaica and Haiti are under severe threat as Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm by Monday morning. The National Hurricane Center warns that “catastrophic flash flooding and landslides” are likely across both islands.
Melissa is centered about 130 miles south-southwest of Kingston, moving slowly west at 3 mph, with sustained winds near 160 mph. Authorities predict up to 30 inches of rainfall islandwide, with isolated amounts reaching 40 inches, and storm surge of 9 to 13 feet along Jamaica’s southern coast.
Officials have activated shelters, closed airports, and urged residents to evacuate vulnerable coastal areas. Jamaican officials warned, “Do not gamble with Melissa. It’s not a safe bet.” In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, heavy rains have already led to flooding, landslides, and at least four deaths.
The hurricane is expected to cross Jamaica by Tuesday and move on toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas.