photo by National Hurricane Center in Miami
Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, bringing with it destructive winds, storm surge, and catastrophic flooding to Jamaica, with conditions expected to worsen.
As of 5:00 AM EDT, Melissa is located at 16.4°N, 77.8°W, about 130 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica. It has maximum sustained winds of 160 mph, moving west at 3 mph. The minimum central pressure is 917 mb (27.08 inches).
A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the central and southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Jamaica and certain Cuban provinces, while a Tropical Storm Warning is in place for Haiti and Las Tunas, Cuba.
Melissa is expected to gradually shift northwest, nearing Jamaica tonight and southeastern Cuba by Tuesday night. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 195 miles.
In terms of hazards affecting land, destructive hurricane conditions are expected in Jamaica tonight, with hurricane conditions reaching eastern Cuba by Tuesday evening.
Rainfall in Jamaica is forecasted to be 15 to 30 inches, posing a risk of catastrophic flooding, while eastern Cuba could receive 10 to 15 inches and the southeastern Bahamas 4 to 8 inches.
Life-threatening storm surge is likely along Jamaica’s south coast and southeast Cuba. Dangerous surf conditions are expected in affected areas; local weather services should be consulted for updates.
Let us continue to pray for those who are in Jamaica. We are reallu concerned about them
That’s frightening news. I really hope people are evacuating where necessary and not taking chances.
Prayers for Jamaica right now.