Jamaica is bracing for unprecedented devastation as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, makes landfall. With wind gusts reaching up to 215 mph, storm surges as high as 18 feet, and rainfall exceeding 3 feet, the island faces life-threatening conditions. AccuWeather experts warn that the hurricane’s slow forward speed of just 4.6 mph will prolong its destructive impact, making it one of the most severe storms in Jamaica’s recorded history. The eyewall’s wind gusts, comparable to an EF-3 or EF-4 tornado, could level entire communities, leaving critical infrastructure like power plants, water treatment facilities, and airports in ruins. The storm’s slow movement also increases the risk of catastrophic flooding and mudslides, which could render roads and bridges impassable for weeks or even months. After Jamaica, Melissa is expected to strike Cuba with winds of 120-140 mph and up to 24 inches of rain, followed by impacts in the Bahamas and Bermuda. The U.S. East Coast may also experience coastal flooding and rough surf. Recovery efforts in Jamaica could take years, with international aid likely required to address the widespread destruction.
Melissa now making catastrophic landfall in Jamaica; Cuba and Bahamas on alert for destructive impacts
