Jamaica Braces for Impact as Powerful Hurricane Melissa Nears Landfall

Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, barrels toward the island with devastating winds and torrential rain. Authorities warn that the hurricane — one of the strongest ever recorded in the Caribbean — is expected to make landfall late tonight, bringing life-threatening conditions across much of the country.

The Jamaican Meteorological Service has issued a nationwide hurricane warning, urging residents in coastal and low-lying areas to evacuate immediately. Winds exceeding 270 kilometers per hour (165 mph) are expected to batter the island, accompanied by dangerous storm surges, flash floods, and widespread power outages.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation this morning, calling the approaching storm “an unprecedented threat” and urging citizens to take all emergency precautions. “This is not a storm to take lightly,” he said. “Lives depend on immediate action. Please seek safe shelter and follow official guidance.”

Emergency shelters across the island have been opened, and the Jamaica Defence Force has been deployed to assist with evacuations and disaster response. Airports and seaports have suspended operations, and hospitals are preparing for potential mass casualties.

Meteorologists predict that Melissa’s eye will pass directly over Jamaica’s southern coast before weakening slightly as it moves toward Cuba and the Cayman Islands. Even with some loss of strength, the storm is expected to remain extremely dangerous throughout its path.

Residents have been rushing to stock up on essentials such as food, water, and fuel, as supermarkets and gas stations report long lines and depleted supplies. Local power companies have warned that outages could last for days or even weeks, depending on the extent of infrastructure damage.

Disaster relief teams and international partners are on standby to assist once the storm passes, but officials caution that conditions could remain too dangerous for rescue operations in the immediate aftermath.

As Hurricane Melissa closes in, Jamaica faces what could be one of the most severe natural disasters in its modern history — a test of both resilience and preparedness in the face of nature’s full force.

Author: M.J