Residents in Jamaica are on high alert as Hurricane Melissa approaches, recently upgraded to a category five storm. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of destructive winds and substantial flooding expected to hit the Caribbean nation imminently.
Melissa has already wreaked havoc on Hispaniola, resulting in at least four deaths and prompting officials to classify Jamaica as a threatened area. The hurricane is located about 130 miles south-southwest of Kingston, and forecasts predict it could become the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica in recorded history.
Authorities have initiated evacuation orders for specific neighborhoods in Kingston, urging people in flood-prone areas to seek immediate shelter. The NHC reports wind speeds have reached up to 160 mph, with forecasts indicating the storm could strengthen further. With a slow movement trajectory, residents could see up to 40 inches of rain, exacerbating the threat of flooding.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that all disaster response shelters on the island are now open. People are being advised to remain vigilant as this severe weather system is expected to impact Jamaica overnight into Tuesday.
The gravity of Hurricane Melissa is further compounded by its impact on Hispaniola, with continued reports of fatalities and rescues amidst the flooding caused by the torrential rains. The storm's path predicts it will affect Cuba and the Bahamas in the coming days.
