Hurricane Melissa Becomes Category 3 Storm, Threatens Jamaica and Haiti

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a major Category 3 hurricane, bringing heavy rainfall and posing a significant risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides in Jamaica and southern Haiti. As of late Saturday night, the storm was situated approximately 125 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds reaching 115 mph. The slow-moving hurricane is expected to strengthen further, with forecasts indicating it could make landfall in Jamaica early next week.

In a statement highlighting the urgency of the situation, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to “take this weather threat seriously” and to “take all measures to protect yourself.” The storm is predicted to bring torrential rains of up to 30 inches to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, which includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Impacts and Preparedness Efforts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported that Hurricane Melissa’s slow movement may lead to prolonged adverse conditions for the affected regions. Tragically, the storm has already resulted in at least three fatalities in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with additional injuries reported due to structural collapses.

In response to the approaching storm, authorities in Jamaica have activated over 650 shelters and prepared thousands of food packages for quick distribution. On Saturday, the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston announced a closure at 20:00 local time, although the status of Sangster Airport in Montego Bay remains uncertain.

In Haiti, increasing river levels have raised concerns, with flooding reported in Sainte-Suzanne. The local director of civil protection, Ronald Délice, expressed worry about the storm’s impact, noting that many residents are hesitant to evacuate their homes. The situation is further compounded in the Dominican Republic, where nearly 200 homes have suffered damage, and water supply systems have been disrupted, affecting over half a million customers.

Future Projections and Warnings

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has warned that Melissa could bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to islands in the Southeast and Central Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, early next week.

Hurricane Melissa marks the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. NOAA had predicted an above-normal season, projecting between 13 and 18 named storms. As communities brace for the storm’s potential impacts, the focus remains on safety and preparedness.