Tropical Storm Melissa is rapidly gaining strength in the Caribbean Sea, posing a significant threat to Jamaica and surrounding islands with potential hurricane-force winds and torrential rainfall.
Immediate Threats and Warnings
The National Hurricane Centre has issued urgent hurricane warnings for Jamaica as Melissa continues to intensify. Meteorologists project the storm could reach hurricane status within the next 24-48 hours, bringing sustained winds exceeding 74 mph and potentially catastrophic flooding to vulnerable coastal communities.
Regional Impact Assessment
Emergency services across the Caribbean are on high alert, with particular concern for low-lying areas and regions prone to landslides. The storm's projected path suggests several islands could experience:
- Coastal flooding from storm surges reaching 4-6 feet above normal tide levels
- Torrential rainfall exceeding 10 inches in isolated areas
- Life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in mountainous regions
- Significant disruption to air and sea travel throughout the region
Preparation and Response Efforts
Local authorities have initiated evacuation protocols in high-risk zones, establishing emergency shelters and distributing essential supplies. Residents are being urged to:
- Secure property and move to higher ground if in flood-prone areas
- Stockpile emergency supplies including food, water and medications
- Monitor official weather updates and follow evacuation orders immediately
- Avoid coastal areas and riverbanks as storm conditions deteriorate
Meteorological experts emphasise that while the storm's exact trajectory remains uncertain, all Caribbean nations should maintain heightened preparedness through the weekend.
