Hurricane Melissa Surges as Strongest Storm, Hits Jamaica Soon

UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa has officially become the strongest storm on the planet this year, boasting sustained winds of 175 mph. The hurricane is now one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, with only nine hurricanes surpassing its wind speeds.

The storm is currently moving at a crawling 2 mph northwest and is expected to reach the southern coast of Jamaica early Tuesday morning. However, the worst impacts will begin hours earlier, as tropical-storm-force winds of up to 73 mph are set to sweep across the island after midnight. Hurricane conditions are predicted to begin just before sunrise, with winds reaching up to 175 mph and gusts potentially exceeding 200 mph, particularly in mountainous areas.

The National Hurricane Center warns that Melissa’s slow movement will prolong its destructive effects, leading to catastrophic flooding and severe storm surge. Jamaica could face up to 40 inches of rain and a staggering 13 feet of storm surge, which will cause “extensive infrastructure damage” and isolate communities. Already, the storm has resulted in fatalities in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles, emphasized the urgency of evacuation orders, describing them as “a directive to save your life.” He stated, “If you are in a low-lying, flood-prone area, now is the time to take no chances and not to gamble.” In response, buses are being deployed to transport vulnerable residents to emergency shelters across the country.

The United Nations is preparing to send emergency personnel to both Cuba and Jamaica this week to assist with coordination and preparedness efforts. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed that they are mobilizing resources to support local authorities as conditions deteriorate.

As Hurricane Melissa continues its path, it is anticipated to maintain its strength as it crosses over eastern Cuba, bringing damaging winds, storm surge, and potentially catastrophic flooding. Fortunately, forecasts indicate that Melissa will not make landfall in the United States, as a strong cold front is expected to act as a protective barrier along the U.S. coastline.

However, even without a direct hit, Melissa will generate hazardous seas and increase the risk of dangerous rip currents along the East Coast, with effects beginning Wednesday as the storm transitions into the Atlantic. The impacts are expected to last through the weekend, affecting beachgoers and coastal communities.

Residents in impacted regions are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders. The situation remains fluid, and updates will continue to emerge as Hurricane Melissa approaches landfall.