Hurricane Melissa: Catastrophic Category 5 Storm Update for Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa Update

• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa is a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, poised to make landfall on Jamaica's southwestern coast.
• 🎯 The storm is moving north-northeast at 9 mph and is expected to make landfall in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland Parishes within the next two hours.

Expected Impacts on Jamaica

• ⚠️ Catastrophic wind damage is expected in the eyewall, with potential for total building failures.
• 💨 Wind gusts could exceed 200 mph in high topography areas.
• 🌊 Storm surge along the south coast could reach 9 to 13 feet above ground level, with destructive wave action.
• 🌧️ Widespread rainfall of 15 to 30 inches is forecast, with isolated totals up to 40 inches, leading to catastrophic, life-threatening flooding and landslides.

Broader Regional Impacts

• 🇨🇺 Southeastern Cuba is expected to experience landfall overnight tonight or early Wednesday morning, with hurricane warnings in effect.
• 🌊 Storm surge in southeastern Cuba could range from 8 to 12 feet above normal tide levels.
• 🇧🇸 The southeastern Bahamas will also see hurricane warnings, with 5 to 8 feet of inundation possible.
• 🇭🇹 Significant rainfall of 6 to 8 inches is expected across southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Key Safety Messages

• 🚨 Residents in Jamaica are urged to take cover immediately and shelter in place throughout the day.
• ⚠️ Do not go outside when the eye passes over, as dangerous conditions will return quickly.
• 🏠 Widespread infrastructure damage, communication loss, power loss, and isolated communities are anticipated.
• 🗣️ Stay informed by following local government officials and the National Hurricane Center.