Jamaica is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, with the possibility of it intensifying into a Category One hurricane and making landfall. Evan Thompson, principal director at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), warned that while the storm is currently projected to move parallel to the island’s southern coast, there remains a chance it could deviate and impact land. This would mark the first tropical system to hit Jamaica since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, as even Hurricane Beryl in 2023 bypassed the island despite causing significant damage. Thompson emphasized that the slow-moving storm could dump up to 12 inches of rain, exacerbating already saturated soil conditions from weeks of prior rainfall. The storm is expected to begin affecting Jamaica by Thursday evening, with eastern and southern parishes likely bearing the brunt of the impact. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding, strong winds, and prolonged rainfall that could persist into next week. Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda reassured the public that the government is actively monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates through the Met Service’s enhanced capabilities, including its newly acquired Doppler Radar. Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr highlighted the activation of emergency protocols, including shelter readiness and resource prepositioning, to ensure swift response if needed. The National Water Commission has also engaged its emergency measures to guarantee water supply to critical facilities like hospitals. As Jamaica braces for Melissa, officials are emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared to mitigate potential risks.