‘Catastrophic’ winds and rain as Jamaica braces for direct hit from Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica is braced for a direct strike from Hurricane Melissa Jamaica, with forecasters warning of “catastrophic” winds, life-threatening flash floods and landslides as the Category 5 storm crawls towards the island. Officials expect the eyewall to cross between late Monday and Tuesday local time, with the storm moving slowly enough to dump exceptional rainfall across mountainous regions.
Sustained winds are forecast at well over 160mph, with a dangerous storm surge on southern and eastern coasts. The hurricane’s slow forward speed means rainfall totals could exceed 250 to 400mm in many areas and approach a metre in places, greatly increasing the risk of landslides.
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Prime minister Andrew Holness has urged evacuations in the most exposed communities, while emergency shelters and hospitals prepare for power cuts and blocked roads. “This is a severe threat to life and infrastructure,” authorities said as evacuation orders expanded along low-lying shores.
Neighbouring countries are also in the storm’s path. South-eastern Cuba faces extreme rainfall and mudslide risk through mid-week, while the Bahamas have hurricane warnings in effect as Melissa tracks north-east after Jamaica.
Meteorologists say unusually warm sea-surface temperatures across the Caribbean helped Melissa intensify rapidly over the weekend. Rapid jumps in strength are becoming more common in a warming ocean, magnifying the danger to island communities.
Travellers with plans to or through the region should check airline advisories and monitor official guidance. The latest public advisories are available from the latest official advisory.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated as official guidance changes. For UK readers with family in Jamaica, local conditions may vary significantly over short distances due to terrain and rainfall bands.
For ongoing coverage of major weather events and what they mean for UK readers with ties overseas, follow EyeOnLondon for clear, independent updates.
[Image Credit | Sky News]
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