Jamaica and Haiti Face Severe Hurricane Threat

Hurricane Melissa is rapidly intensifying and is expected to strike Jamaica and Haiti with severe force. This storm has the potential to reach Category 5 status, the most severe level on the hurricane scale. Its slow movement suggests prolonged rainfall and sustained strong winds.

Current Status and Path

• Location: Approximately 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica
• Movement: Very slow, exacerbating the situation
• Intensification: The National Hurricane Center reports rapid strengthening

Rain and thunderstorms are already impacting Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba.

Expected Impacts

Rainfall

• Up to 40 inches of rain in some areas by Wednesday
• Severe flooding and landslides expected, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions
• Potential damage to buildings, power outages, and isolated communities

Storm Surge

• 9 to 13 feet high
• Likely to flood parts of Kingston, including the airport
• Additional flooding in the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba

Projected Path

• Monday: Slow westward movement
• Tuesday: Likely impact on Jamaica
• Tuesday or Wednesday: Movement to eastern Cuba
• Wednesday: Passage through the southeast Bahamas or Turks and Caicos
• Later in the week: Potential impact on Bermuda (too early to determine)

Historical Significance

• Expected to reach Category 5 strength
• Could remain at least Category 4 upon hitting Jamaica
• No Category 4 or 5 hurricane has directly hit Jamaica before

Warnings and Alerts

• Warnings issued for parts of southern Haiti, Jamaica, and eastern Cuba
• Hurricane-force winds and tropical storm conditions expected soon
• Potential for extensive damage and community isolation

Season Context

• Formed late Tuesday morning as the 13th storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
• Became the fifth hurricane of the season by Saturday afternoon
• Average for this time of year
• First storm of the season to enter the Caribbean Sea