Crawling threat

Jamaica is bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which continues its steady advance toward the island. The Government has escalated emergency preparations as meteorologists warn of potential hurricane conditions within the next 48 hours. Rohan Brown, Weather Services Manager at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, stated during a press conference at Jamaica House that Melissa could intensify into a major hurricane by the weekend, posing significant threats to the region. The storm’s slow but relentless progression has prompted widespread readiness measures. The island’s international airports have activated emergency protocols, public hospitals are on high alert, and utility companies have mobilized resources. The Jamaica Public Service Company has introduced a new incident command structure to ensure faster and safer power restoration. Telecommunications providers Flow and Digicel, along with the National Water Commission, have also declared full preparedness. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as the storm’s trajectory and intensity remain uncertain.