标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa, initially a formidable storm, has weakened to a Category 4 hurricane shortly after making landfall in Jamaica. The National Hurricane Center reported that as of 2:00 pm, the storm’s center was positioned near latitude 18.5 North, longitude 77.7 West. Melissa is currently advancing north-northeast at approximately 8 mph (13 km/h).

Meteorologists predict a shift toward the northeast with increased speed by Tuesday evening, accelerating further on Wednesday and Thursday. The storm’s core is expected to depart western Jamaica by Tuesday evening, subsequently traversing southeastern Cuba late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Melissa is then forecasted to move across the southeastern or central Bahamas later on Wednesday, potentially approaching Bermuda by Thursday night.

With maximum sustained winds nearing 145 mph (230 km/h) and higher gusts, Melissa remains a significant threat. It is anticipated to reach southeastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane and could maintain this intensity as it progresses through the southeastern Bahamas. NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft are scheduled to conduct investigations into Melissa on Tuesday evening.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 195 miles (315 km). The estimated minimum central pressure stands at 921 mb (27.20 inches). Authorities continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory and intensity closely, urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has unleashed its fury on Jamaica, making landfall in the island’s southwest region early Tuesday morning. As the storm traversed the island, its ferocity became increasingly evident, particularly in eastern parishes such as Kingston, where winds intensified significantly. By Tuesday evening, downtown Kingston bore the brunt of the hurricane’s impact, with powerful waves inundating the shoreline and uprooted trees littering the streets. The hurricane, which initially struck around 11 a.m., is projected to move offshore by late Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as the storm’s aftermath continues to unfold.

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.

As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica’s eastern Westmoreland coast, residents of Savanna-la-Mar are grappling with the dual challenges of impending devastation and the lingering scars of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Fishermen, in particular, are anxious about the potential loss of their fish pots, which cost approximately $60,000 each to replace—a significant financial burden for those still recovering from previous losses. Oshane Rowe, a fisherman from Wharf Road, voiced his frustration, lamenting the lack of support from local authorities and the slow pace of recovery. ‘We just started rebuilding, and now another storm is coming,’ he said. Along Wharf Road and Smithfield, boats and fish pots have been pulled ashore as residents scramble to secure their livelihoods. While some are preparing to evacuate, others, like Garnet Williams, are determined to stay and protect their homes and livestock. ‘I’m not leaving my son or my animals,’ Williams declared, though he acknowledged the risks posed by his home’s proximity to the sea and the threat of flooding from clogged drains. In Savanna-la-Mar, vendors have already closed their shops, and waves have grown noticeably higher, signaling the storm’s approach. At the Godfrey Stewart High School shelter, 33 residents, including infants and elderly individuals, have sought refuge. However, concerns about food shortages and medical needs are mounting. Sharon Atkinson, a diabetic amputee, expressed her distress over the lack of suitable food, while Theresa Grant, another diabetic resident, highlighted the instability of her home and her urgent need for medical attention. As light rain begins to fall, the resilience of Westmoreland’s coastal communities is once again being tested, with many still struggling to rebuild from the last disaster. Across the town, 17 shelters are now open, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the looming crisis.