Hurricane Melissa Update: Category 4 Storm Threatens Jamaica with Catastrophic Rainfall

Hurricane Melissa Update

• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 4 storm with peak winds of 140 mph and a pressure of 953 millibars.
• 🛰️ Satellite imagery confirms the storm is powerful and expected to further intensify before impacting Jamaica.

Projected Path and Timeline

• 🐢 The storm is currently moving slowly westward and is expected to gradually turn north, making landfall over Jamaica on Tuesday.
• ⏳ Hurricane conditions are anticipated to persist over Jamaica for over 24 hours, with tropical storm conditions potentially lasting two to three days.
• 🇨🇺 Following Jamaica, the storm is projected to move over eastern Cuba, the southeast Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos, with Bermuda being impacted around day four.

Watches and Warnings

• ⚠️ A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Jamaica, with a Hurricane Watch for eastern Cuba, which may be upgraded.
• 🚨 The southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos may also see a Hurricane Watch issued later today.

Extreme Rainfall Threat

• 🌧️ The most significant threat is extreme rainfall, with potential amounts exceeding three feet over eastern Jamaica.
• 🌊 This rainfall is expected to cause catastrophic flooding, life-threatening flash floods, impassable roads, and cut off communities.
• ⛰️ The mountainous terrain of Jamaica, combined with the slow-moving nature of the storm, exacerbates the flooding risk.

Broader Impact and Preparedness

• 🇩🇴 Outer rainbands may continue to affect the Dominican Republic and Haiti early in the week.
• 📞 It is imperative to contact friends and family in affected areas to ensure they are aware of the storm's progression and know how to protect themselves.
• 🏠 Residents in Jamaica are advised to be prepared to shelter in place for several days due to the prolonged duration of hurricane and tropical storm conditions.