Hurricane Melissa Downgraded to Category 4 After Jamaica Landfall

Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Jamaica

• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm and was subsequently downgraded to a Category 4 by the National Hurricane Center.
• ⚠️ The storm has caused three reported deaths, widespread flooding, landslides, fallen trees, and power outages across the island.
• ⚡ It is noted as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history and the most powerful to strike Jamaica in over 170 years.

Reasons for Downgrade and Current Status

• 📉 The downgrade occurred because the hurricane moved over Jamaica's mountainous terrain, causing it to lose energy as it was no longer over warm ocean waters.
• 💨 Despite the downgrade, the storm still carried 150 mph wind gusts and is expected to bring an additional foot of rain to Jamaica.

Storm's Path and Future Projections

• 🗺️ After hitting Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa made a steep turn north and is now heading towards Cuba at full steam.
• 🌊 The storm is projected to bring heavy impacts to eastern Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic throughout Wednesday.
• ✈️ It is expected to pick up speed over the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos on Wednesday before moving into the open Atlantic by Thursday.
• 🌧️ Significant rainfall, ranging from 10 to 30 inches, is anticipated across the Caribbean, with continued landslide and flash flood risks for up to 72 hours.