Jamaica Braces for Days of Hurricane‑Force Conditions as Melissa Intensifies in the Caribbean
Jamaica and several neighboring islands are preparing for a potentially prolonged period of extreme rainfall and strong winds as Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the next 48 hours, according to regional weather agencies. Meteorologists project that the system could maintain hurricane‑force conditions for several days, raising concerns about flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across the western Caribbean.
Melissa, which formed earlier this week in the central Atlantic, has been gaining speed as it moves westward toward the Greater Antilles. Satellite imagery shows a rapidly consolidating eye and expanding rain bands, prompting the National Hurricane Center to upgrade the storm to Category 1 status and issue a hurricane watch for Jamaica, Haiti, the Cayman Islands, and parts of Cuba. Forecast models suggest a continued intensification trend, with wind speeds possibly reaching 90–110 km/h (55–68 mph) and sustained heavy precipitation of 150–250 mm (6–10 in) over a 24‑hour period.
Local authorities have activated emergency response plans, urging residents to secure property, stock essential supplies, and heed evacuation orders in low‑lying coastal zones. Officials emphasized that the prolonged nature of the threat could strain water and power systems, and they have pre‑positioned relief teams and medical supplies in anticipation of potential displacement. Regional experts note that the Caribbean’s recent hurricane season has been unusually active, with multiple storms affecting the area in the past months, underscoring the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the storm is expected to track northward after crossing Jamaica, potentially bringing further impacts to the Bahamas and the southeastern United States later in the week. Authorities continue to monitor Melissa’s evolution closely, updating advisories as new data become available. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, follow safety guidelines, and remain ready for rapid changes in weather conditions as the system progresses.
