Hurricane Melissa Rapidly Intensifies to Category 5, Threatens Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica – Hurricane Melissa has explosively strengthened into a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, targeting Jamaica with 160+ mph (257 km/h) winds, 20-foot storm surges, and torrential rainfall. Officials warn of unprecedented devastation as the storm accelerates toward landfall near Montego Bay by Thursday.
Hurricane Melissa’s Record-Breaking Intensification
In just 48 hours, Melissa jumped from Category 2 to Category 5—a rare phenomenon fueled by record-warm ocean temperatures. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) compares its rapid growth to historic storms like Hurricane Allen (1980) and Hurricane Irma (2017).
“This storm is a worst-case scenario. Jamaica must act now—these winds can level entire communities.”
— Dr. Lisa Grant, NHC Senior Meteorologist
Jamaica’s Emergency Response: Evacuations and Shelters
- State of emergency declared: PM Andrew Holness orders coastal evacuations, with shelters opened island-wide.
- Airports closed: Montego Bay and Kingston flights suspended; cruise ships rerouted.
- Military deployed: Jamaican Defence Force (JDF) secures infrastructure and aids evacuations.
Projected Impacts of Hurricane Melissa
- 💨 Catastrophic Winds: 160+ mph gusts may cause power grid collapse and structural damage.
- 🌊 Deadly Storm Surge: 15-20 ft surges could submerge coastal towns.
- 🌧️ Extreme Rainfall: 25+ inches of rain risks flash floods and landslides.
International Aid and Climate Change Warnings
- Global aid: The U.S. and CDEMA are pre-positioning supplies; Red Cross mobilizes relief teams.
- Climate connection: Scientists link Melissa’s rapid intensification to warmer oceans, urging long-term resilience investments.
How to Prepare: Urgent Safety Steps
- ✅ Evacuate immediately if in flood zones or unstable housing.
- ✅ Reinforce homes with shutters/sandbags.
- ✅ Stock 7+ days of food, water, and medicine.
- ✅ Follow official alerts via emergency radios or NHC updates.
NextMinuteNews is tracking Hurricane Melissa 24/7. Refresh for live coverage.
— Reported by NextMinuteNews Caribbean Bureau
