HURRICANE Melissa has exploded into a monstrous category five storm and is now charging towards Jamaica.
The horror storm is threatening to unleash catastrophic flooding, deadly landslides and towering storm surges across the Caribbean.
The slow-moving hurricane roared across the warm waters of the Caribbean over the weekend, doubling in strength and becoming one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the region.
With winds now raging at 160 mph, Melissa was sitting about 130 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica, late Sunday and crawling westward at just 3 mph – a sluggish pace that could prove disastrous.
Forecasters warned the storm would make landfall early Tuesday, potentially as the most powerful hurricane to ever hit Jamaica.
Desmond McKenzie, minister of local government, said: “Many of these communities will not survive this flooding.
“Kingston is low, extremely low… No community in Kingston is immune from flooding.”
“Those in Jamaica need to seek shelter now,” the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) urged.
“Damaging winds and heavy rainfall today and on Monday will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides before potentially devastating winds arrive Monday night and Tuesday morning.”
The island is bracing for the full force of Melissa’s triple threat – extreme rainfall, hurricane-force winds and surging seas.
Up to 30 inches (76 cm) of rain are expected across much of Jamaica, with eastern regions possibly drowning under 40 inches (1 metre), according to the NHC.
Storm surges of 9 to 13 feet could slam into Jamaica’s southern coast, particularly east of where the eye makes landfall, creating life-threatening coastal flooding.
“I want to urge Jamaicans to take this seriously,” said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of the island’s Disaster Risk Management Council. “Do not gamble with Melissa. It’s not a safe bet.”
The government issued mandatory evacuation orders on Sunday evening for several vulnerable coastal communities, including parts of Kingston.
“There is nowhere that will escape the wrath of this hurricane,” warned Evan Thompson, principal director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service.
“It’s going to sit there, pouring water while it’s barely moving – and that is a significant challenge… as long as what is predicted does take place.”
Prime Minister Andrew Holness echoed the warning, writing on X: “Now is the time to secure your home, check your roof, windows, and surroundings. Use sandbags or plywood where needed and clear any overhanging branches safely.
“If you live in a flood-prone area, take protective measures and have an evacuation plan ready.”
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