Hurricane Melissa is approaching Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm—the strongest recorded since 1851. Expected to make landfall on Tuesday afternoon, this powerful hurricane will linger over the island before heading toward Cuba, with potential impacts also felt in Haiti and the Bahamas.
This storm is exceptionally dangerous. It intensified rapidly, escalating from winds of 70 mph to 140 mph in just one day, marking one of the fastest intensities ever observed in the Atlantic. Currently, it’s reported to have winds reaching 180 mph (280 km/h) as it moves slowly north-northeast at about 7 mph.
Jamaica’s Readiness
Jamaica is bracing for severe flash flooding and landslides. Airports are closing, and tolls on highways have been lifted to facilitate evacuations. As the country recovers from Hurricane Beryl’s destruction last year, Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed his concerns about Jamaica’s readiness. “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a category 5,” he noted, emphasizing the need for a swift recovery.
The storm surge could reach up to 13 feet, threatening coastal hospitals and other vital infrastructure. Since tourism accounts for about a third of Jamaica’s annual revenue, the long-term effects of this storm could be profound.
Sheltering and Community Response
With a population of about 2.8 million, tens of thousands of Jamaicans may need shelter. The government has prepared 850 shelters that can accommodate more than 20,000 people. However, many families are opting to stay in their homes, driven by fear and uncertainty. Colin Bogle, an adviser with Mercy Corps, pointed out that for many, this is new territory. “The uncertainty is frightening,” he said, highlighting the worries about losing homes and livelihoods.
Climate Implications
Hurricane Melissa’s rapid intensification is indicative of larger climate trends. This year alone, four storms in the Atlantic have intensified quickly, a pattern linked to rising ocean temperatures due to climate change. Research from Climate Central indicates that Melissa drifted over ocean waters that were 1.4°C warmer than average, conditions made much more likely by human activity.
Last year, the oceans recorded the highest temperatures ever, continuing a concerning trend. Experts argue that the changing climate may make such devastating storms more prevalent in the future.
The combination of heightened storm activity and Jamaica’s limited resources paints a challenging picture for the nation as it faces one of the strongest hurricanes in decades.
