What to Expect as Hurricane Melissa Approaches Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is bearing down on Jamaica with extreme winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening surf. Forecasters warn that the island could experience its strongest storm on record as Melissa closes in on land. While the eye of the storm remains south of the island, the outer bands already bring tropical storm conditions to large parts of Jamaica, with the most dangerous winds and rain expected as the eyewall sweeps ashore.
Understanding the Eyewall and Why It Matters
Inside every hurricane, three main components define its structure: the outer rainbands, the calm eye, and the eyewall—the ring of towering thunderstorms surrounding the eye. The eyewall hosts the storm’s most intense winds and the greatest convective activity. As Melissa’s eyewall moves toward Jamaica, residents can expect the strongest gusts, torrential rainfall, and dangerous storm surge along the coast.
In the northern hemisphere, air spirals counterclockwise and eventually spirals outward at higher levels, with air sinking in the storm’s center to form a relatively calm eye. But the calm eye is often followed by another violent round as the eyewall and its surrounding rainbands move in. People in Jamaica are urged to heed warnings, as the lull in the eye can create a misleading sense of safety just before the next wind surge hits.
Why Melissa Is So Dangerous
Melissa is a large, slow-moving Category 5 hurricane, fueled by unusually warm Caribbean waters and a favorable wind environment that has allowed it to strengthen rapidly. The combination of warm sea surface temperatures near 30C and minimal wind shear has enabled Melissa to maintain its strength as it approaches Jamaica. Slow movement, estimated at just a few miles per hour in some directions, prolongs exposure to heavy rain and extreme winds in any given location, raising the risk of flooding, landslides, and widespread damage.
Potential Impacts
- Wind: Sustained hurricane-force winds and dangerous gusts along the coastline, capable of causing structural damage and power outages.
- Rainfall: Localized totals exceeding 60 cm (2 feet) in parts of Jamaica, with the potential for flash floods and river flooding.
- Storm Surge: Coastal surge could reach several feet, threatening low-lying areas and beaches with high waves and coastal erosion.
- Transportation and Infrastructure: Airport closures, road blockages, and disruption to essential services as authorities implement evacuations and sheltering measures.
What Jamaica Is Doing to Prepare
Officials have issued evacuation orders for high-risk regions, opened government shelters, and paused travel to protect residents and visitors. Emergency budget allocations and international coordination, including aid planning, are in place to speed relief once the storm passes. People in vulnerable communities are urged to move to secure locations before the eyewall arrives.
What About Nearby Regions?
Hurricane Melissa’s reach extends beyond Jamaica. Swells and rough seas are expected across Hispaniola, eastern Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, with potential impacts on the Bahamas and Bermuda later in the week. Coastal residents and beachgoers should heed local advisories about dangerous surf and rip currents.
Staying Safe: Practical Tips
During a landfalling hurricane, keep informed with official briefings, stay indoors away from windows, and have an emergency supply kit ready. Do not venture outside during the eyewall’s main impact, and plan for potential prolonged power outages and flooding. If instructed to evacuate, do so promptly and to a designated shelter or safe retreat area.
Live Coverage and Continuing Updates
We will continue to provide live updates as Hurricane Melissa progresses toward landfall and the immediate aftermath. Stay with trusted meteorological sources for the latest warnings, forecasts, and safety recommendations.
