Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a category 5 storm as it approaches Jamaica, bringing warnings of catastrophic winds, flooding, and storm surge. The US National Hurricane Center said the storm is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, with maximum sustained winds of 175mph (280km/h). It is moving north-west at just 2mph (4km/h), raising fears of prolonged devastation.
Jamaica's Meteorological Service director Evan Thompson warned that no part of the island is likely to be spared. He noted the rapid intensification of the storm, linking it to warm waters possibly related to climate change. The storm is on track to hit Cuba later on Tuesday before heading towards the Bahamas.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he had been on his knees in prayer as the nation braces. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in flood-prone areas, with buses ferrying residents to shelters. However, officials expressed concern that fewer than 1,000 people were in over 130 shelters across the island.
In eastern Cuba, a hurricane warning is in effect for several provinces, and officials plan to evacuate more than 600,000 people. Up to 20 inches (51cm) of rain is forecast for parts of Cuba, along with a significant storm surge. The hurricane has already been blamed for seven deaths in the northern Caribbean.
Some residents have chosen to stay, including hotel manager Jamal Peters in Port Royal, who said Jamaicans prefer to remain in their homes. Jason Henzell, a hotel chairman in Treasure Beach, said despite his efforts to encourage evacuation, some have opted to stay.
