Hurricane Melissa has been upgraded to a Category 5 storm and is forecast to bring high winds and significant rainfall to Jamaica in the coming hours. The storm is currently south-southwest of Kingston, with its core expected to move near or over the island tonight and Tuesday. Authorities have indicated that Melissa could become the strongest hurricane ever to hit Jamaica. Melissa has already been linked to four fatalities on Hispaniola.
Current Status and Forecast
Melissa was upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane early on Monday. The US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported its location at 09:00 GMT as approximately 130 miles (209 km) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica. It has maximum sustained wind speeds of 160 mph (260 km/h), with forecasters indicating potential for further strengthening in the next 12 to 24 hours.
The NHC forecast track indicates the storm's core is expected to move near or over Jamaica tonight and Tuesday, then across southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and across the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. The storm's slow movement is noted as a factor in expected rainfall amounts. Forecasts suggest up to 40 inches (100 cm) of rain are possible in parts of Jamaica over the next four days.
Preparations and Evacuations
Residents in Kingston have been observed preparing for the storm with sandbags. Large waves were reported on the coast of Jamaica on Saturday, with a storm surge expected later on Monday and into Tuesday.
The Jamaican government has issued evacuation orders for parts of the capital, Kingston, and the entire island has been designated as "threatened." Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered evacuations for several communities across the island. Officials have also advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to seek shelter. Jamaica's Minister of Local Government, Desmond McKenzie, confirmed that all 881 shelters on the island are open.
Impact on Hispaniola
Heavy rains associated with Hurricane Melissa have caused flooding in neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. The storm has been linked to four fatalities on the island of Hispaniola.