Jamaica is enduring terrifying hours as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm, unleashed its fury on Tuesday. With winds reaching up to 168 miles per hour, relentless torrential rains, and destructive storm surges, the island is grappling with the hurricane's direct impact.
The cyclone, exhibiting a central pressure of just 899 millibars, has led to widespread roof collapses, extensive power outages, river overflows, and landslides across multiple regions of the nation.
Moving slowly across the western part of the island, the hurricane's eye left a trail of devastation in Montego Bay and nearby rural areas, bringing about total destruction.
Authorities Urge Caution Amidst Violent Conditions
Local authorities have strongly advised residents to remain in their shelters as fierce gusts and waves exceeding 10 feet batter both the southern and northern coastlines.
Emergency services are describing the scenario as "catastrophic," fearing widespread material damage throughout Jamaica's western region.
Widespread Effects Across the Caribbean
Melissa's impact stretches across a vast area of the Caribbean. Hurricane-force winds extend 28 miles from the center, while tropical storm conditions can be felt up to 196 miles away.
The phenomenon is causing waves between 9 and 13 feet along Jamaica's southern coast and may generate surges of 8 to 12 feet along Cuba's southeastern shores.
Rainfall accumulations are predicted to be severe: between 25 and 30 inches in Jamaica, with 10 to 20 inches expected in eastern Cuba, significantly increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides.
Warnings Extend Beyond Jamaica
Cuban provinces including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas remain under hurricane alert. Meanwhile, Camagüey, Haiti, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are under tropical storm warnings.
The independent global weather visualization platform Windy projected on Tuesday that Hurricane Melissa is set to make landfall in the Uvero–Chivirico area of Santiago de Cuba by Wednesday morning, with maximum winds approaching 138 miles per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact
What areas have been most affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica?
Montego Bay and nearby rural communities have experienced total destruction due to the hurricane's direct impact.
What measures should residents in affected areas take?
Authorities strongly recommend that residents remain in their shelters to stay safe from violent winds and high waves.
How extensive are the hurricane's effects beyond Jamaica?
Hurricane Melissa affects a broad area of the Caribbean, with hurricane-force winds extending 28 miles from the center and tropical storm conditions reaching 196 miles out.