Jamaica’s Meteorological Service (Met Service) has maintained a state of heightened vigilance as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm, continues to impact the island with widespread rainfall. The hurricane, currently positioned south of Kingston, is moving westward, with its outer bands already causing intermittent showers in eastern parishes. Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Met Service, confirmed during a press conference at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) that the storm has advanced past Morant Point and is now near Kingston’s longitude. Radar imagery reveals a well-defined eye and dense cloud cover, with lightning activity concentrated on the eastern side of the hurricane. Authorities predict that rainfall will intensify and spread across the island, raising concerns about potential flooding. The public is urged to stay updated through official bulletins and prepare for worsening conditions. Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie reported that all shelters are operational, though only 31 out of 881 are currently occupied. Despite the Jamaica Transit Company (JUTC) providing transportation, many residents are reluctant to evacuate. McKenzie also emphasized the need to secure cranes in the Corporate Area to prevent accidents and warned of accountability for negligence. Regarding the homeless population, he stated that the government has made efforts to relocate vulnerable individuals to shelters using public transport, with plans to continue as long as conditions permit.