Kingston, Jamaica – A catastrophic landfall is now imminent as Hurricane Melissa intensifies into a Category 5 storm, poised to slam into Jamaica late Monday night into Tuesday with sustained winds near 160 mph and gusts up to 195 mph. Life-threatening storm surge and rainfall totals of 30 to 40 inches could inundate eastern Jamaica, causing catastrophic flooding, widespread landslides, and prolonged power outages.
According to the US National Hurricane Center and the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Melissa’s eyewall is projected to move directly over the island’s eastern parishes late Monday, before lifting north of Jamaica by Wednesday. Flash flooding and structural damage are likely across Kingston, Portland, St. Thomas, and St. Mary, with destructive winds extending inland through Clarendon and St. Catherine. The government has urged residents in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground immediately.
Transportation officials warn that major routes, including the A4 and A3 highways, may become impassable due to debris and flooding. Coastal evacuations are already under way in Port Royal and Morant Bay as storm surge of 15–20 feet threatens low-lying communities. According to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), all shelters are being activated and citizens should secure homes, charge devices, and avoid travel beginning Monday afternoon.
Neighboring Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba also face severe flash flooding and landslides through midweek as Melissa’s outer bands sweep west and north. Forecasters warn the storm will remain extremely dangerous even after leaving Jamaica’s shores.
