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KINGSTON, Jamaica — The early effects of Hurricane Melissa are already being felt in Gordon Town, St Andrew, as moderate winds and scattered debris disrupt local roadways. Observer Online reported that tree branches have begun to block sections of the main road in the Dublin Castle community, with only a handful of residents seen outdoors, many rushing to complete last-minute preparations before the storm intensifies.

In Redlight, Irish Town, conditions have worsened significantly, with stronger gusts sweeping through the area. One resident shared with Observer Online that heavy winds have persisted since morning, urging fellow Jamaicans to take the hurricane seriously and prepare adequately.

Superintendent of Police Randy Sweeney, overseeing the St Andrew North Division, confirmed that his team is on high alert and ready to respond to emergencies. ‘We are addressing the roadway issues collaboratively, working with various stakeholders to ensure safety,’ Sweeney stated. He added that workers and tractors have been strategically positioned across the division, with authorities maintaining constant communication to clear roadways as soon as conditions permit.

As Hurricane Melissa continues to approach, communities across Jamaica are bracing for its full impact, with authorities and residents alike taking proactive measures to mitigate potential damage.

Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category Five storm, is projected to strike the eastern regions of Westmoreland or western St Elizabeth early Tuesday. The hurricane is expected to traverse the island, exiting along the St Ann coastline by evening. Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), delivered this critical update from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Kingston on Monday. Thompson emphasized the unpredictability of the storm’s path, noting a slight possibility it could shift westward, sparing the island from its full wrath. However, he urged residents to prepare for the worst-case scenario, as the hurricane could still make landfall as a Category Four or Five storm. The hurricane is anticipated to bring devastating winds, particularly in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, with tropical storm-force winds likely affecting the entire island. Rainfall totals could soar up to 30 inches, with storm surges reaching up to 14 feet in Black River, St Elizabeth. Thompson also warned of potential storm surges in other coastal areas, including Clarendon, Old Harbour Bay, and parts of Kingston and St Andrew. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions and stay informed as the storm approaches.

Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm, threatens to unleash catastrophic storm surges and torrential rainfall across the island. Evan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, issued a stark warning on Sunday, emphasizing that southern coastal communities could face waves as high as 13 feet. ‘Storm surge is expected mainly over the southern side of the island, particularly in Clarendon, St Catherine, Kingston, and western St Thomas,’ Thompson stated during a press conference at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in St Andrew. He highlighted Portland Cottage in Clarendon as the area most vulnerable to the highest storm surges. Thompson also projected intense rainfall, with 20 to 30 inches expected in eastern and south-central regions, likely triggering widespread flooding. Despite a slight westward shift in the hurricane’s path, Thompson stressed that Jamaica should prepare for a direct hit, with landfall anticipated between Monday night and Tuesday morning. Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change Matthew Samuda assured the public that emergency protocols are in place to restore potable water swiftly. The National Water Commission (NWC) has collaborated with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to prioritize electricity restoration for critical water pump stations, particularly those serving hospitals and emergency distribution points. Samuda, alongside other government officials, urged residents in low-lying areas and near river courses to relocate to safer zones immediately. As Jamaica braces for Melissa’s impact, the government has mobilized resources to mitigate the hurricane’s devastating effects.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 cyclone, has become a symbol of the escalating threats posed by climate change. Fueled by abnormally warm Caribbean waters, the storm intensified rapidly, transforming from a tropical storm with 70 mph winds to a Category 4 hurricane within 24 hours, and eventually reaching Category 5 status. This marks the fourth Atlantic hurricane this season to undergo such dramatic intensification, a trend scientists attribute to global warming.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a dire warning as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica. The NHC predicts that ‘catastrophic’ and ‘life-threatening’ hurricane-force winds will begin battering the island nation Monday night, persisting into early Tuesday. Tropical storm conditions are already underway, with the eyewall expected to cause total structural failure, particularly in elevated regions where wind speeds could surge by up to 30%. As of the latest update, Hurricane Melissa was positioned near latitude 16.4 north and longitude 78.2 west, moving westward at three miles per hour. The storm is anticipated to shift northwest and north later Monday, accelerating northeastward on Tuesday. Its trajectory suggests Melissa will sweep over Jamaica Monday night and early Tuesday, southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. With maximum sustained winds nearing 165 mph (270 km/h) and higher gusts, Melissa remains a formidable threat. The NHC cautions that intensity fluctuations are likely before the hurricane makes landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday.

Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a formidable Category 5 storm, currently positioned south of Jamaica, and is projected to shift its trajectory towards the island by Monday. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica reported that as of 4:00 am, the storm’s center was located approximately 205 kilometers (130 miles) south-southwest of Kingston, or 167 kilometers (104 miles) south of Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth. Melissa is advancing westward at a speed of 6 km/h (3 mph), with a gradual turn towards the northwest and north anticipated on Monday, followed by a northeastward acceleration starting Tuesday. The hurricane’s core is expected to pass near or over Jamaica late Monday night and into Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds have surged to nearly 260 km/h (160 mph), with even stronger gusts. Further intensification is forecasted for Monday, with potential fluctuations in strength before Melissa makes landfall in southwestern Jamaica early Tuesday as a devastating major hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 kilometers (30 miles) from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach outward up to 315 kilometers (195 miles). Outer bands of the storm have already begun affecting southern and eastern sections of Jamaica since Sunday evening, bringing light to moderate rainfall. The Meteorological Service warns of rainfall totals reaching 350-750 mm (15-30 inches) over parts of Jamaica, particularly in central and eastern parishes, with even higher amounts in hilly areas. This deluge is likely to trigger catastrophic flash floods and landslides. Tropical storm conditions are expected to spread across Jamaica on Monday, escalating to hurricane conditions by Monday night or early Tuesday. A life-threatening storm surge, accompanied by massive and destructive waves, is predicted along Jamaica’s south coast, peaking at nine to 13 feet above ground level near and east of the landfall zone. Small craft operators, including fishers, are strongly advised to remain in safe harbor until all warnings are lifted and conditions normalize. The Meteorological Service continues to monitor Hurricane Melissa closely, urging all residents to stay vigilant and heed further updates.

Residents of Bluefields and surrounding areas in Westmoreland, Jamaica, are being urged to prepare for potentially life-threatening storm surges as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island. The storm surges, characterized by a rapid rise in sea levels due to wind and atmospheric pressure changes, are expected to impact the south coast significantly. Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Services Branch in Jamaica’s Ministry of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, emphasized the severity of the situation during a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on October 27. Thompson warned that even if the hurricane’s center moves off the west coast, south coastal areas of Westmoreland will still face dangerous storm surges. He drew parallels to past hurricanes, such as Michelle in 2007 and Wilma, which caused significant rainfall and storm surges along Jamaica’s southwestern coastline. Residents are advised to complete their preparations immediately, as large and destructive waves, peaking at nine to 13 feet above ground, are anticipated along the south coast tonight and on Tuesday, particularly near Melissa’s potential landfall zone.