Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Jamaica as Record-Tying Category 5 Storm

Hurricane Melissa's Landfall and Intensity

• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in Jamaica, becoming the strongest storm ever known to hit the island.
• 🎯 Landfall occurred near New Hope with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour and gusts up to 220 mph.
• 📈 This storm ties the record for the most intense hurricane to make landfall in the Atlantic basin, matching the 1935 Labor Day hurricane with a central pressure of 892 millibars.

Storm's Path and Future Impacts

• 💨 The storm is moving faster now and is expected to move back over open water within approximately 5 hours.
• ⚠️ After impacting Jamaica, Melissa is forecast to move towards the eastern half of Cuba as a Category 4 or 3 hurricane.
• 🏝️ The storm is then projected to reach the Turks and Caicos by tomorrow evening and head towards Bermuda.

Rainfall and Wind Projections

• 🌧️ Jamaica could receive an additional foot of rain, bringing the total to over 40 inches in some areas.
• 🌊 Cuba may experience 10 to 20 inches of rain.
• 🌬️ Montego Bay could see hurricane gusts of 110-130 mph later this evening, while Guantanamo Bay might experience tropical storm to Category 1 hurricane strength winds.