Hurricane Melissa Gains Strength as It Approaches Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa intensified early Tuesday, with satellite imagery showing a more defined eye as the storm moved within 50 miles of Jamaica's southern coast. The National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to a Category 3 cyclone, reporting sustained winds of 115 miles per hour and a central pressure dropping to 960 millibars. Meteorologists noted that the storm's rapid strengthening follows a period of favorable sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, conditions that often fuel tropical cyclones in the Caribbean during the peak of the season.
Jamaican authorities have issued a tropical storm warning for the entire island and a hurricane warning for the southern parishes most likely to bear the brunt of the impact. Emergency management officials activated evacuation protocols for low‑lying communities and urged residents to secure property, stock essential supplies, and heed instructions from local officials. Power companies pre‑positioned crews to address potential outages, while hospitals stocked additional medical supplies in anticipation of an influx of patients.
Regional experts emphasized that Melissa's trajectory mirrors that of previous storms that have caused significant flooding and wind damage in the area. "The combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds poses a serious risk of flash floods and landslides, especially in the mountainous interior," a spokesperson for a Caribbean disaster‑response organization said. Agricultural analysts warned that prolonged exposure to high winds could damage crops such as bananas and coffee, potentially affecting export revenues later in the year.
As the eye of the hurricane draws nearer, the outlook remains uncertain. Forecast models suggest a possible landfall along Jamaica's south coast within the next 12 to 18 hours, after which Melissa could move northwest toward the Cayman Islands or weaken over land. Government officials indicated that post‑storm recovery plans are ready, including international aid coordination and rapid‑deployment teams for infrastructure repair. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and to prioritize safety as the storm approaches.
