By Manisha Sahu | America News World
Kingston, Jamaica — The storm known as Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a major Category 3 hurricane, and meteorologists now warn of its potential to escalate into a Category 4 (or even higher) event, posing a deadly threat across the northern Caribbean.
Rapid Intensification and Current Status
Melissa achieved hurricane strength on Saturday and surged quickly into major hurricane territory, with maximum sustained winds recorded at about 115 mph (185 kph).
The storm was located roughly 125 miles (200 km) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 280 miles (455 km) west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, moving westward at a sluggish pace of around 3 mph (6 kph).
Because of the slow movement, Melissa has plenty of time to dump heavy rain and cause sustained damage — a worrying characteristic for the impacted islands.
Forecast & Path – Jamaica in the Crosshairs
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) say Jamaica is under a full hurricane warning, while parts of southwestern Haiti and eastern Cuba are on hurricane watch.
The current track projects landfall in Jamaica as early as Tuesday, possibly as a Category 4 storm — bringing catastrophic potential.
Rainfall totals of 15–30 inches (38–76 cm) are expected for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with localized totals up to 40 inches (100 cm) in Haiti. Storm surges along Jamaica’s south coast could reach up to 13 feet (about 4 m).
Impact So Far: Haiti, Dominican Republic & Jamaica
In Haiti, authorities report at least three deaths due to swollen rivers and wall-collapses; additional injuries were reported.
In the Dominican Republic, hundreds of homes are damaged, more than half a million people lost water service, and a bridge failed over a riverbank breach.
On Jamaica, preparations are escalating: The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has been closed, over 650 shelters activated, and emergency food supplies pre-positioned.
Why This Storm Is Especially Dangerous
Several factors make Melissa especially worrisome:
Slow motion: The storm is crawling, which means prolonged exposure to heavy rain, winds and surge for affected areas.
Rapid intensification: Warm Caribbean Sea surface temperatures and low wind shear are fueling quick strengthening.
Multi‐day threat: With slow progress and a projected landfall on Jamaica, the storm may linger, exaggerating flooding, wind damage and landslides.
Heavy rainfall + terrain: Mountainous terrain in Haiti and Jamaica increases landslide and flash-flood risks when heavy rain persists.
Government & Local Response
In Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a call to action: “Now is the time to be prepared … the entire Jamaica will be impacted.”
Evacuation orders are not mandatory yet, but low-lying communities — especially coastal/river-front areas — have been urged to move to safer ground.
In Haiti, civil-protection teams are distributing food kits and mobilising rescue/relief efforts even as some residents hesitate to leave their homes.
What to Watch in the Coming Days
Landfall timing and intensity: The path has some uncertainty, so changes could still happen.
Rainfall accumulation: The slow pace may mean 20-40 inches (50–100 cm) of rain in some spots; flash floods and river overflows expected.
Storm surge and coastal flooding: Particularly along Jamaica’s south coast and southern Haiti where surge of several metres is possible.
Wind damage and power outages: Sustained winds of 115 mph plus gusts could bring widespread damage; slow moving storms exacerbate structural stress and grid disruption.
Secondary impacts: Mudslides, collapse of weak infrastructure, isolation of communities, health/water crises following flooding.
Regional Implications & Forward Look
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which had already been flagged as above‐normal.
If Melissa indeed becomes a Category 4 or possibly even Category 5 hurricane while striking Jamaica, analysts warn it could become one of the most destructive storms in Jamaica’s history — surpassing past storms like Hurricane Gilbert (1988) in terms of potential.
After Jamaica and Haiti, the storm could move toward eastern Cuba and possibly the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos by mid-week, though the focus remains on the imminent Caribbean landfalls.
Advice for Residents & Visitors
For those in the storm’s projected path:
Secure your home: board windows, tie down loose objects, clear gutters.
Evacuation: heed local authorities’ instructions, especially in flood-prone or low-lying zones.
Stock supplies: water, food, medications, torch/flashlight, batteries, important documents.
Stay informed: monitor local alerts, radio/TV updates, the NHC advisories.
Avoid floodwaters: even 6 in of fast-moving water can sweep a car away; landslide risks multiply with saturated ground.
Travel caution: airports (including Kingston) may close; flights may be cancelled or delayed.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane Melissa is shaping up to be a major event for Jamaica, Haiti and neighbouring islands. Its combination of rapid intensification, slow motion, and high rainfall makes it especially dangerous. With landfall possibly only days away, the region — and the world watching — must brace for what could become a historic storm.