Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Expected to Impact Jamaica with Catastrophic Damage

Jamaica is bracing for Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm expected to make landfall as the strongest hurricane ever recorded on the island, bringing catastrophic damage. The slow-moving storm poses severe risks including high winds up to 175 mph, torrential rain predicted at two to three feet, flooding, mudslides, and a life-threatening storm surge up to 15 feet, especially along the southern coast. Residents have been preparing extensively, with some coastal areas under mandatory evacuation, while others, including local communities and resort guests, prepare to ride out the storm amid power outages and damage. Relief efforts are underway, with organizations like Chabad of Montego Bay providing shelter, water, and food to those affected, as the storm’s slow pace exacerbates potential damage and delays recovery. Experts warn of the high risk to life for those unable to evacuate and emphasize the unprecedented nature of this event for Jamaica, which has not seen a direct major hurricane hit in nearly 40 years. The storm is also expected to impact Cuba and the Bahamas following Jamaica.