Powerful Hurricane Melissa Strikes Jamaica with Ferocious Winds and Torrential Rain: What to Expect as It Moves Towards Cuba

Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica hard on Tuesday. This storm, a fierce Category 5, brought heavy rain and strong winds, leaving devastation in its wake.

With winds reaching 185 mph, Melissa is one of the strongest storms in history to strike Jamaica. The National Hurricane Center reported that the hurricane weakened slightly after landfall but still packed winds of 130 mph as it approached Cuba.

The storm made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, and traveled northeast at 9 mph. By Tuesday evening, over 530,000 residents were without power. Hospitals faced challenges too; Black River Hospital had to evacuate 75 patients after part of its roof was damaged.

Experts are sounding alarms. Anne-Claire Fontan from the World Meteorological Organization called it “the storm of the century” for Jamaica. She expects catastrophic destruction. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned that Melissa could affect up to 1.5 million people on the island.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “No infrastructure in the region can withstand a Category 5.” The focus now is on how quickly recovery can happen.

Rainfall predictions are alarming. Jamaica could see between 15 to 30 inches, while some areas in Cuba might receive up to 25 inches. Many locations could face dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

Road access is also a concern, especially for hospitals along the coast. Health Minister Christopher Tufton mentioned that some patients were moved to higher floors to avoid potential storm surges of up to 13 feet.

The storm has already led to the tragic loss of at least seven lives across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica.

Colin Bogle from Mercy Corps shared that many families are choosing to stay put despite evacuation orders. The fear of what might happen next hangs heavy in the air.

In Cuba, officials have evacuated over 735,000 people. With warnings in place along many coastal regions, both Jamaica and Cuba are bracing for more impacts from Hurricane Melissa.

As the world grapples with increasingly intense storms, Melissa serves as a stark reminder of climate change’s role in shaping our weather patterns. In fact, studies indicate that storms have been becoming more intense, raising concerns about future disasters.

This hurricane season reflects a worrying trend, with storms like Melissa hitting with unprecedented force. As communities rebuild, it’s essential to consider long-term strategies for resilience against such catastrophic events, ensuring they are better prepared for the future.

Stay connected for updates as the situation unfolds and communities work to recover.



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Caribbean, Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa