Hurricane Melissa Intensifies to Category 5, Threatens Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm with sustained winds near 165 mph and is forecast to make a direct, devastating landfall in Jamaica early Tuesday. Forecasters warn the storm’s slow movement will produce extreme rainfall—up to 40 inches in places—catastrophic storm surge (3–4 meters/13 feet in some forecasts), widespread flash flooding, landslides and islands-wide power and infrastructure damage. More than 800 emergency shelters have been activated and mandatory evacuations ordered, but many shelters remain underutilized and residents and tourists are reported stranded while major airports are closed. Jamaican officials say the projected landfall has shifted slightly toward eastern Westmoreland, with Melissa likely to traverse Cockpit Country and exit near St. Ann. After crossing Jamaica the storm is expected to remain dangerous as it moves toward southeastern Cuba, the Bahamas and possibly farther north, and authorities warn communities to prepare for prolonged outages and isolation.