Historic Category 5 Hurricane
Hurricane Melissa is the 4th major hurricane this year. Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a devastating Category 5 in Jamaica as one of the strongest storms in history for the Atlantic Basin.
Hurricane Melissa is the 3rd major hurricane this year. Now a Category 5, Hurricane Melissa is set to cause chaos in Jamaica as landfall is imminent in less than 24 hours.
The History of Hurricane Melissa
Originally forecasted to stay a tropical storm, this hurricane wildly overperformed as the motion of the storm slowed from 24 mph to 3 mph. This gave it plenty of time to organize and intensify in the Caribbean
Melissa - A Slow, but Destructive Mover
Melissa is currently sustaining winds of 170+ mph, moving at a staggering 3 mph. The slow movement of this storm will only exacerbate the devastating impacts. Because the storm is moving so slowly, it will linger over the island for an extended period, bringing prolonged exposure to destructive winds, heavier rainfall totals, and an increased risk of flooding and landslides.
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Warnings From Officials
Jamaican Emergency Management Services advises residents to stay in their safe shelters and not to leave. Additionally, for tourists in Ocho Rios, most resorts are now on lockdown. The National Hurricane Center is warning of life-threatening flash flooding and landslides likely in Jamaica through Tuesday. Eyewall wind speeds have the potential to cause "complete structural failure", especially in higher elevation areas. Strongest conditions are expected tonight and into Tuesday morning. Storm surge and damaging waves are expected to be life-threatening if caught nearby.
Haiti and Dominican Republic Update
Haiti and the Dominican Republic are also expected to experience life-threatening conditions starting Tuesday night, into Wednesday. By Tuesday night, Southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos will also undergo hurricane-force conditions and life-threatening flooding and surge. Preparations for shelter should be complete well in advance of Tuesday night.
The History of Hurricanes in Jamaica
Hurricane Mellissa is forecasted to be the strongest hurricane that has ever impacted Jamaica. The last major hurricane to make landfall on the island was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. This major storm made landfall as a category 4 hurricane, sustaining wind speeds over 120 mph the entire time on land. Unfortunately, Gilbert took 45 lives and caused more than 700 million dollars worth of damage.
When is Hurricane Season?
While Melissa is a late season category 5 hurricane, major hurricanes like this can happen through November when hurricane season ends. The official start to hurricane season is June 1st and the last day is November 30th.
