A foreboding weather projection illustrating the trajectory of Hurricane Melissa underscores the potential ferocity of this massive storm, with experts cautioning that “millions of individuals face the threat of catastrophic consequences.”
Hurricane Melissa, packing formidable 120mph (195 km/h) winds, is intensifying towards a rare Category 5 status as it tracks slowly northwestward towards Jamaica, with landfall predicted for Tuesday (October 28). Its sluggish pace, moving at just 5mph, heightens the impact potential, prolonging the risk of flooding and high waves, which could result in significant damage to coastal areas and structures.
Concerns have been raised that this ‘catastrophic’ storm may surpass the devastation caused by the tragic Storm Gilbert in 1988, prompting Jamaicans to take immediate shelter in anticipation of what could be an unprecedented weather event. Forecast maps, such as the one produced by Ventusky, outline the projected developments in the coming days.
As evidenced in alarming time-lapse footage, areas on the map darken as the fierce storm’s effects intensify. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings of “destructive winds and heavy rainfall today and tomorrow, leading to catastrophic flash floods and numerous landslides before potentially devastating winds arrive on Monday night and Tuesday morning.”
According to NHC forecasts, Hurricane Melissa is expected to pass near or over Jamaica early Tuesday before moving across Cuba towards the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday. The storm’s current position, as of Sunday night (October 26), was approximately 125 miles (205 kilometers) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 310 miles (495 kilometers) south-southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba.
Projections indicate that Melissa could bring up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rainfall to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with some regions possibly experiencing as much as 40 inches (1 meter) of precipitation.
Addressing the nation, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to prepare for the impending impact, emphasizing the importance of securing homes with sandbags and wooden boards and stocking up on essential supplies for the challenging days ahead.
Weather advisories are in effect in parts of Haiti, including the capital Port-au-Prince, as well as the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, which are anticipated to face Melissa’s force later in the week before the storm moves towards the Antillas Mayores and into the Atlantic.
Tragically, initial reports from BBC News highlight casualties resulting from landslides triggered by the hurricane in Haiti, with the nation’s Civil Protection agency confirming two fatalities.
For any related stories or information to share, please contact julia.banim@reachplc.com.
