Hurricane Melissa has exploded into a record-breaking, monstrous Category 5 storm, churning toward Jamaica in what experts warn could be the strongest hurricane to ever hit the island nation.
The slow-moving storm, packing 175 mph winds, has already doubled in strength over the warm Caribbean waters, transforming into one of the most powerful and dangerous hurricanes ever recorded in the region.
As of late Sunday, Melissa was located roughly 130 miles south of Kingston and creeping westward at just 3 mph, a pace forecasters fear will amplify flooding and destruction as the storm makes landfall on Tuesday.
Officials across Jamaica are now issuing dire warnings and mandatory evacuation orders as the nation braces for catastrophic flooding, deadly landslides, and massive storm surges.
Locals are being warned that they “will not survive” if they don’t prepare.
“Many of these communities will not survive this flooding,” warned Desmond McKenzie, minister of local government.
“Kingston is low, extremely low…
“No community in Kingston is immune from flooding.”
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) urged immediate action:
“Those in Jamaica need to seek shelter now,” the agency said.
“Damaging winds and heavy rainfall today and on Monday will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides before potentially devastating winds arrive Monday night and Tuesday morning.”
‘Do Not Gamble With Melissa,’ Officials Warn
Up to 30 inches of rain are expected across much of Jamaica, with eastern regions facing up to 40 inches, more than one meter of rainfall.
Storm surges as high as 13 feet could slam into the southern coast, creating life-threatening coastal flooding.
“I want to urge Jamaicans to take this seriously,” McKenzie added.
“Do not gamble with Melissa. It’s not a safe bet.”
The government has activated emergency shelters nationwide, halted elective medical procedures, and placed all public hospitals in emergency mode, said Health Minister Christopher Tufton.
“There is nowhere that will escape the wrath of this hurricane,” said Evan Thompson, principal director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service.
“It’s going to sit there, pouring water while it’s barely moving – and that is a significant challenge… as long as what is predicted does take place.”
Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a national warning, writing on X:
“Now is the time to secure your home, check your roof, windows, and surroundings.
“Use sandbags or plywood where needed and clear any overhanging branches safely.
“If you live in a flood-prone area, take protective measures and have an evacuation plan ready.”
Jamaica Shuts Down as Storm Closes In
The country’s main airports have shut down ahead of the storm.
Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston closed Saturday night, followed by Sangster International in Montego Bay on Sunday, confirmed Transport Minister Daryl Vaz.
“Melissa could be the strongest hurricane Jamaica has experienced in decades,” Thompson said.
The last major storm to hit Jamaica directly was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, a Category 3 system that moved much faster than Melissa’s near-stationary pace.
“This is not Gilbert,” said one emergency official.
“This is worse. It’s slower, stronger, and will linger.”
Region Already in Crisis
Melissa has already wreaked havoc across Hispaniola, leaving four people dead – three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic – with another person missing.
In the Dominican Republic, more than 750 homes have been damaged and nearly 4,000 people displaced.
Floodwaters have cut off 48 communities, according to emergency officials.
In Haiti, the storm wiped out crops across three regions, destroying 15 hectares of maize.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization warned that flooding could wipe out winter harvests for a nation where 5.7 million people already face hunger.
Forecasters: “An Extremely Urgent Humanitarian Crisis May Follow”
AccuWeather’s Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter warned of a disaster that could take months to recover from.
“People choosing to ride out the storm in unsafe areas, or those who are unable to move out of harm’s way, will face great peril,” Porter said.
“An extremely urgent humanitarian crisis may follow.
“The devastation from the electricity infrastructure alone may take months to repair.
“Food refrigeration and safe drinking water may not be available for an extended period.”
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva explained Melissa’s rapid intensification:
“Not only is the surface water in much of the Caribbean warm, but the water is warm down deep.
“Because of that, the churning of the water from the slow-moving storm has not brought up chilly water from the depths as would normally be the case.
“Hurricanes need warm water of about 80°F or higher to thrive.”
‘We Can’t Fight Against Nature’
Residents in Kingston spent the weekend scrambling to prepare.
Fishermen secured boats, city workers cleared drains, and families stocked up on essentials.
“Slow movement still cause a lot of damage, right?” said fisherman Clive Davis.
“Different from Beryl, cause Beryl come with a speed and never stay too long. Just sweep through.
“But this now, she wants to come stay, visit Jamaica for three days, why?”
He added, “It’s gonna slow down business, but it’s nature.
“We can’t fight against nature, right?”
Historic Threat Ahead
Melissa is forecast to make landfall midday Tuesday in western or central Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, possibly weakening slightly to a Category 4 as it crosses the island.
The storm’s center is expected to move over southeastern Cuba Tuesday night and into the Bahamas by Wednesday, bringing 20 inches of rain and dangerous surges to coastal areas.
A hurricane warning is now in effect for Cuba’s Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín provinces, with tropical storm warnings for Las Tunas.
“Don’t make foolish decisions,” Transport Minister Vaz warned.
“We are in a very, very serious time over the next few days.”
Forecasters say Melissa’s impacts could last for hours in places directly hit by the eyewall.
It’s a storm that may define a generation for Jamaica.
“This storm is not just powerful — it’s relentless,” Thompson said.
“It’s going to test Jamaica in a way we haven’t seen in generations.”
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