From last weekend, Hurricane “Melissa” in the Caribbean region has rapidly strengthened to a category five storm, with wind speeds reaching up to 175 miles per hour (approximately 282 kilometers per hour) and moving north at a speed of 175 miles per hour (about 282 kilometers per hour), becoming the strongest storm worldwide this year. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States has warned that “Melissa” will cause “catastrophic damage” to the region, with Jamaica currently experiencing intense winds and heavy rainfall.
Currently, the center of “Melissa” is located approximately 145 miles southwest of the Jamaican capital, Kingston, moving slowly north at a speed of about 3 miles per hour. Due to its slow movement and concentrated energy, experts warn that the rainfall and storm surge it brings will be particularly severe.
Meteorologists point out that “Melissa” has become one of the more than ten super-strong hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic. Since Hurricane “Allen” set a record with wind speeds of 190 miles per hour in 1980, only a few hurricanes have reached or exceeded wind speeds of 175 miles per hour. The power of “Melissa” ranks second only to hurricanes such as “Allen” in 1980, “Wilma” in 2005, “Mitch” in 1998, and “Gilbert” in 1988 in Caribbean history.
The outer circulation of the hurricane is bringing strong winds and heavy rains, prompting the Jamaican government to issue a mandatory evacuation order for residents in coastal low-lying areas. Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles has urged people to evacuate immediately, stating that the evacuation order is not a suggestion but a directive to save lives. The government has dispatched buses to assist residents in moving to temporary shelters.
According to meteorologists’ predictions, “Melissa” could bring up to 40 inches (approximately 1 meter) of rainfall to the highlands of Jamaica, equivalent to 20% of the average annual rainfall in the Blue Mountains of the eastern region. Meteorological units point out that the mountainous terrain will exacerbate rainfall, potentially triggering flash floods or mudslides.
The NHC estimates that the hurricane will bring a storm surge of 13 feet (approximately 4 meters) and sustained strong winds of 160 miles per hour (about 257 kilometers per hour), causing “widespread infrastructure damage” and cutting off community connections with the outside world.
Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, located on a narrow sandbar just slightly above sea level with one side facing Kingston Harbor and the other facing the Caribbean Sea, is one of the most vulnerable locations to storm surges. Historically, the “Gilbert” hurricane in 1988 caused waves to cross the runway, a situation that is now recurring.
Currently, the international airports in Kingston and Montego Bay have been closed, with flights suspended altogether.
Before approaching Jamaica, “Melissa” had already caused three deaths in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. Local torrential rains triggered floods and mudslides, leading to power outages in some areas.
The hurricane reconnaissance aircraft team belonging to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) flew over the eye of “Melissa” at least twice aboard the WP-3D “Orion” meteorological reconnaissance aircraft, recording wind speeds of up to 220 miles per hour (about 354 kilometers per hour) thousands of feet above the ground; meanwhile, ground wind speeds were at 160 miles per hour (about 257 kilometers per hour). Due to encountering dangerous turbulence, the crew had to head to a safe zone.
Meteorologist Andy Hazelton described encountering “extreme turbulence” while flying over the eye wall of “Melissa,” forcing the aircraft to return early. He stated, “This is the strongest hurricane I’ve encountered on a mission.”
The U.S. Department of State spokesperson stated that the State Department is closely monitoring “Melissa” and evaluating whether aid is needed.
The spokesperson mentioned that emergency relief supplies have been pre-positioned in six warehouses for Jamaicans affected by the hurricane.
“As long as it is in the interest of the United States, we have the ability to provide life-saving aid to disaster-affected countries and people worldwide,” the spokesperson added.
The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has advised American citizens potentially in the path of “Melissa” to prepare for local sheltering.
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas stated that American citizens in the potential path of “Melissa” should consider leaving immediately, stating that “flights are still available,” or prepare for local sheltering.
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti warned that all travel is at one’s “own risk” and issued similar suggestions to American citizens in hazardous areas: “Leave immediately while flights are available, otherwise prepare for local sheltering.”
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba stated that they cannot guarantee the safety of American citizens traveling to airports, borders, or continuing their travel. The embassy also advised American citizens to “leave immediately” or prepare to seek refuge.
Additionally, they noted, “In your preparations, consider Cuba’s lack of medical and emergency infrastructure, including unreliable power grids.”