UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa is on track to strike Jamaica as a devastating Category 5 storm, marking the most powerful hurricane to hit the island in 174 years of recordkeeping. Forecasters warn that the storm will make landfall early on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, entering near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and slicing diagonally across the island before exiting around St. Ann parish in the north.
As the storm approaches, the Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency and is urging residents to prepare for potentially catastrophic damage. In a statement, Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5. The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.”
Authorities have mobilized resources and urged citizens to heed evacuation orders and safety warnings. This unprecedented storm threatens to disrupt lives and infrastructure across Jamaica, with reports indicating winds exceeding 160 mph and life-threatening storm surges expected.
Emergency services are on high alert as they brace for the storm’s impact. The Jamaican Meteorological Service has issued warnings, advising that even well-prepared areas may face severe flooding and landslides.
Residents are encouraged to stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, and medications, as services may be interrupted for an extended period. Schools and businesses in vulnerable areas have already begun closing in anticipation of the storm.
What Happens Next: As Hurricane Melissa approaches, experts will monitor its path closely. The storm’s trajectory could shift, affecting additional regions. Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve.
This storm is a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of hurricanes linked to climate change, and its impact could reverberate beyond immediate physical damage, affecting local economies and communities for months to come.
Follow all official updates and stay safe as Jamaica braces for the might of Hurricane Melissa.
