Hurricane Melissa reached category 5 in the Caribbean Sea this Monday (27). The phenomenon records sustained winds of 260 km/h and approaches Jamaica, where the government ordered mandatory evacuations. The United States National Hurricane Center issued alerts for destructive impacts on the island starting late in the day.
Jamaican authorities ordered residents of Kingston and other cities to move to 900 shelters. The country’s international airports remain closed since Sunday. The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday and proceed to Cuba and the Bahamas by Wednesday.
- Current location: 205 km south-southwest of Kingston.
- Movement speed: 6 km/h westward.
- Rainfall forecast: up to 76 cm in Jamaica, with peaks of 1 meter in eastern areas.
Four deaths have already occurred due to storms associated with Melissa, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.
Path and intensity of the phenomenon
Melissa rapidly evolved to category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Winds above 252 km/h characterize this maximum level. The system formed days ago and gained strength over warm Caribbean waters.
The hurricane center is 505 km from Guantánamo, Cuba. Hurricane warnings are in effect for eastern Cuban provinces. Forecasts indicate up to 51 cm of rain in affected regions.
Evacuation measures in Jamaica
The Jamaican government activated the national disaster response plan. Residents of low-lying areas in Kingston receive orders to leave homes. Shelters accommodate thousands of displaced people.
Airport closures interrupt commercial flights. Major roads face traffic restrictions. Security forces assist in family removals.
Initial impacts in neighboring countries
The Dominican Republic records damage to more than 750 homes. Floods isolate 48 communities in the country. Schools and public offices close in provinces under red alert.
Haiti faces destruction of crops in three regions. Corn in 15 hectares is lost to flooding. Access to agricultural markets becomes compromised.
Storm surge risks
Jamaica’s south coast expects sea level rise up to 4 meters. Destructive waves threaten structures near the beach. Coastal flooding occurs near the impact point.
Landslides become likely on slopes. Intense rains worsen soil instability. Rescue teams prepare for post-passage operations.
Preparation in Cuba
Provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín enter alert status. Las Tunas maintains tropical storm watch. Population stocks essential supplies.
Preventive evacuations begin in vulnerable areas. Hospitals reinforce medicine stocks. Power grids undergo emergency maintenance.
Effects on military operations
United States warships operate in the Caribbean region. Troops follow mission of pressure against the Venezuelan government. The hurricane may alter vessel positioning.
Military aircraft move to secure bases. Command monitors Melissa’s path. Personnel safety is prioritized amid the storm.
Hurricane Melissa represents a significant threat to Caribbean infrastructure. Authorities maintain constant system monitoring. Population receives instructions to remain in shelters until further notice. Forecasts update every six hours by the U.S. center. Material damages are expected on a large scale across affected islands. International teams prepare post-event humanitarian support.
