Hurricane Melissa Strikes Jamaica as Record-Setting Catastrophe

Hurricane Melissa is poised to strike Jamaica on March 5, 2024, as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, marking the most powerful hurricane to impact the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago. Forecasts indicate that the storm will make landfall early Tuesday, making its way diagonally across the country, entering near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and exiting around St. Ann parish in the north.

In preparation for the impending disaster, Jamaican authorities have issued dire warnings of potential catastrophic damage. Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated, “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5. The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.” Reports of landslides, fallen trees, and widespread power outages have already emerged as the storm approaches.

Severe Rainfall and Flooding Expected

The National Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Melissa is set to deliver between 15 to 30 inches of rain across Jamaica, with some areas possibly experiencing up to 40 inches. Southern Hispaniola, which includes both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, may see 6 to 12 inches through Wednesday. These conditions are likely to lead to “catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides,” according to the center.

Eastern Cuba is also bracing for heavy rainfall, with totals expected to reach 10 to 20 inches, and up to 25 inches in localized areas. The storm poses a significant threat of “life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding with numerous landslides.” The southeastern Bahamas can expect 5 to 10 inches of rain, prompting concerns about flash flooding as well.

A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet is anticipated along southern Jamaica’s coastline, raising alarms about the potential impact on local hospitals. Health Minister Christopher Tufton confirmed that some patients have been relocated to higher floors in anticipation of the surge, stating, “We hope that will suffice for any surge that will take place.”

Human Impact and Emergency Response

The storm has already claimed seven lives across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic, with one individual reported missing. As of the latest update, Hurricane Melissa is centered approximately 135 miles southwest of Kingston and about 310 miles southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. With maximum sustained winds of 175 mph, Melissa exceeds the 157 mph threshold necessary for a Category 5 designation and is moving north-northeast at a mere 2 mph.

In light of the approaching storm, many families are sheltering in place, despite government evacuation orders for those in flood-prone areas. Colin Bogle, an advisor with Mercy Corps, noted, “Many have never experienced anything like this before, and the uncertainty is frightening.” The fear of losing homes and livelihoods looms large among the affected populations.

Jamaica’s Water and Environment Minister Matthew Samuda has stated that over 50 generators are ready for deployment following the storm, but he also urged residents to conserve clean water, emphasizing, “Every drop will count.”

As Melissa continues its path, it is expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba later on Tuesday. A hurricane warning is in effect for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin. More than 600,000 people are being evacuated from the region, including residents of Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city.

Following its impact on Cuba, Melissa is forecast to turn northeast and eventually strike the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening, prompting a hurricane warning for the southeastern and central Bahamas, while a tropical storm warning has been issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

On March 4, the U.S. State Department issued natural disaster travel alerts for Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas, advising citizens to consider leaving while flights remain available or preparing to shelter in place. Meanwhile, a Hurricane Hunters aircraft from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had to abort its mission on Monday due to severe turbulence encountered in the storm’s southwestern eyewall.

As the region braces for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and mitigating the storm’s catastrophic potential.