Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Jamaica: Latest Track and Impact

Hurricane Melissa's Landfall and Intensity

• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour.
• ⚠️ This storm is tied for second place for the highest sustained winds ever recorded in a hurricane's center.
• 📍 The storm made landfall in the New Hope area, impacting southern coastal communities.

Impacts on Jamaica

• 🌊 Coastal communities are bracing for a 13-foot storm surge.
• 🌧️ Up to 40 inches of rain are expected, particularly in higher elevated areas.
• ⛰️ Due to Jamaica's mountainous topography, there is a significant concern for landslides in addition to storm surge.
• 💨 Hurricane-force winds are impacting the island, with tropical storm-force winds extending further out.

Regional Storm Progression

• 🇨🇺 Cuba is also preparing for severe impacts, with up to 20 inches of rain expected.
• ➡️ The hurricane is tracking northwest, moving over land in Cuba and expected to decay slightly over cooler sea surface temperatures.
• 🇧🇲 The storm's projected path indicates it will eventually move towards Bermuda in the coming days.

Current Conditions and Warnings

• 👁️ Some residents in the eye of the storm are experiencing temporary calm conditions before the eyewall passes.
• ⚠️ Authorities are urging residents to heed warnings and find shelter quickly, as last-second preparations can be dangerous.
• 💔 Tragically, there are already reports of seven deaths, with more expected.