With winds nearing 120 mph, Hurricane Melissa is expected to reach Category 5 strength before hitting Jamaica. Residents face warnings of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges as authorities urge immediate preparations
Hurricane Melissa is rapidly strengthening in the Caribbean and is forecast to become a rare Category 5 storm as it barrels toward Jamaica, bringing with it the threat of deadly flash floods, widespread power outages, and massive storm surges.
As of 06:00 GMT on Monday, the cyclone was packing sustained winds of up to 120 mph (195 km/h) while tracking northwest. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) expects Melissa to make landfall in Jamaica by Tuesday, potentially affecting the capital, Kingston, and large parts of the island with hurricane-force winds and torrential rainfall.
Authorities have issued urgent warnings: “Seek shelter now,” the NHC advises. Up to 30 inches (76 cm) of rain could fall, and coastal areas may see storm surges of up to 13 feet (4 meters). While Melissa is projected to weaken slightly to a Category 4 before landfall, the NHC stressed that this would bring “very little practical difference” in terms of impact.
“This storm is slow-moving — only 5 mph — and that increases the risk of severe, prolonged rainfall,” warned NHC deputy director Jamie Rhome. “This will be a catastrophic event for Jamaica.”
The Jamaican government has activated emergency measures. Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation, acknowledging the growing concern: “I know that many Jamaicans are anxious — and rightfully so. But the best way to confront fear is to be prepared.” He urged citizens to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood and stock up on essentials.
Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti, including Port-au-Prince, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba, where similar conditions are expected mid-week. According to Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency, two people have already died due to landslides triggered by Melissa’s heavy rains.
Melissa is the 13th named hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, which officially ends in November. After passing over Jamaica, the storm is expected to weaken to Category 3 as it approaches Cuba on Wednesday, before eventually moving over the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
While it’s difficult to link any single storm to climate change, scientists point to warming oceans as a major factor behind the increasing intensity and frequency of hurricanes. Warm seas contribute to greater moisture in the atmosphere — the fuel hurricanes need to grow.
Earlier this year, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, driven by warmer ocean temperatures and stronger monsoon activity off West Africa, where many Atlantic storms form.
(Associated Medias) – Tutti i diritti sono riservati