Hurricane Melissa Strengthens to Category 5, Puts Jamaica on High Alert

Hurricane Melissa, which formed as a tropical storm last Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea, has now reached Category 5 status, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). The NHC forecasts destructive winds, a life-threatening storm surge, and catastrophic flooding that are expected to worsen in Jamaica throughout the day and into tonight.

The forecast predicts Melissa will strike Jamaica as a major hurricane this Monday and impact Cuba on Tuesday or Wednesday. The system is also expected to bring heavy rainfall to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where one million users have already been left without water.

The population of Jamaica is warned not to leave their safe shelter, as there is a high risk of catastrophic flash flooding and landslides through Tuesday. Destructive winds, particularly in mountainous areas, are set to begin tonight and could cause severe damage to infrastructure, along with prolonged power and communication outages, potentially isolating communities.

A dangerous storm surge and hazardous waves are also forecast along the southern coast through Tuesday.

In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, tropical storm conditions are expected by late Tuesday and to persist into Wednesday. Authorities there also warn of flooding, landslides, and the potential for communities to be cut off.

In eastern Cuba, heavy rainfall and powerful winds are forecast for Tuesday afternoon and evening.