Prepare for Impact: Hurricane Melissa Expected to Strengthen into Category 5 Storm Targeting Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa is gaining strength and could reach category five status as it heads toward Jamaica. This powerful storm has maximum winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and is on a northwest path in the Caribbean. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) anticipates landfall by Tuesday, warning that it could bring life-threatening flash floods and landslides.

Residents are bracing for heavy rainfall, with up to 30 inches (76 cm) expected, along with dangerous sea surges that could rise as high as 13 feet (4m) above the ground. The NHC emphasizes that preparation is key, advising people to take shelter and finalize any emergency plans.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane of the current Atlantic season, which runs until November. While it’s expected to weaken to a category four, the potential impact remains severe. A category five hurricane is classified with winds of at least 157 mph. Even at category four, the storm’s effects can be catastrophic.

The winds and rain could hit Jamaica well before the storm passes directly over, placing places like Kingston at risk. The NHC warns of a significant chance of flash flooding and landslides. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reassures citizens, urging them to stay calm and be ready.

Residents should secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards and stockpile essential supplies. Alerts are also in effect for nearby Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba. Sadly, landslides in Haiti have already claimed two lives, as confirmed by their Civil Protection agency.

Melissa will likely weaken to a category three as it moves over Cuba on Wednesday. Following that, it is expected to travel out into the Atlantic.

The link between hurricanes and climate change is a topic of ongoing research. Scientists point out that warmer ocean temperatures lead to increased moisture in the air, contributing to more intense storms. Before this year’s hurricane season began, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted higher activity levels due to these warm conditions.

Understanding the power of storms like Melissa reminds us of nature’s unpredictability. Staying informed and prepared can make a significant difference when facing such weather events.

For more insights on hurricane preparedness and safety measures, you can check sources like the National Hurricane Center or the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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