Tropical Storm Melissa is gaining strength over the upcoming weekend. Concerns are rising that Melissa could potentially evolve into the most severe hurricane ever witnessed in Jamaica. Originating in the southern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, October 21, Melissa is currently heading towards Jamaica, with potential catastrophic consequences.
Renowned tropical cyclone analyst and hurricane historian Michael Ferragamo, using the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), cautioned about Melissa’s course near or over the island, projecting extended periods of rain, wind, and surge. Ferragamo emphasized the significant impact Melissa could have, suggesting it might surpass the devastation caused by Gilbert in 1988.
With winds reaching 115 knots (130 mph), Gilbert was described by Ferragamo as the most powerful hurricane on record in Jamaica. The storm made landfall near Kingston around 1 pm EDT on September 12, 1988, causing significant damage. Despite the intensity of the storm, the death toll was relatively low in Jamaica, with only 45 confirmed fatalities out of a total of 318 across several countries.
Gilbert’s aftermath included substantial destruction across Jamaica, with a large percentage of homes losing their roofs and many residents left homeless. The economic impact was severe, particularly affecting the banana industry and causing extensive losses in export earnings and domestic crop damage.
Authorities are urging Jamaican citizens to stay alert as preparations for the potential impact of Melissa are underway. Minister of Health and Wellness, Christopher Tufton, announced that public hospitals are shifting to emergency mode to accommodate potential medical needs. In anticipation of the storm, airports in Jamaica are expected to close within 24 hours of a hurricane warning being issued, as confirmed by Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, Daryl Vaz.
AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, highlighted the looming threats of torrential rainfall, flash flooding, power outages, and infrastructure damage across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica due to Melissa’s potential impact. The situation is being closely monitored by officials and meteorologists to ensure necessary precautions are in place.
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