Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc across Jamaica on Tuesday, leaving more than 70% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers—over 500,000 households—without electricity by 3:00 pm. The hurricane made landfall at noon with unprecedented wind speeds exceeding 180 miles per hour, causing significant damage to the island’s transmission and distribution networks. JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant confirmed that central and western parishes were particularly hard-hit, with sections of the electrical grid requiring a complete rebuild. Despite efforts to prevent a total shutdown, the extent of the damage has made recovery a daunting task. JPS has mobilized its line workers, along with local and international contractors, to begin restoration efforts as soon as conditions permit. In less affected areas, the company plans to seek a partial all-clear from authorities to initiate assessments and repairs concurrently. Grant emphasized the complexity of power outages, explaining that damage in one area can disrupt supply in others, and urged customers to remain patient. JPS also issued a safety warning, advising residents to avoid downed power lines and poles, which may still be energized. The Jamaica Observer reported an incident involving an energized wire on Rosseau Road in St. Andrew, which remained unattended for hours, sparking frustration among locals. As Jamaica begins its recovery, JPS remains committed to restoring power while prioritizing the safety of its teams and the public.