What we are discussing
• CURRENTLY: Hurricane Melissa has made landfall close to New Hope, Jamaica, as a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. It is expected to move directly across the island for the next several hours, bringing with it devastating winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening storm surges.
• Storm of the century: According to Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in an interview with CNN, Melissa is anticipated to inflict "catastrophic damage." This is the first time Jamaica has faced a Category 5 hurricane, with a UN agency labeling it the "storm of the century."
• Already fatal: Hurricane Melissa has been linked to seven fatalities — three in Jamaica during the storm's preparations, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
• CURRENTLY: Hurricane Melissa has made landfall close to New Hope, Jamaica, as a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. It is projected to move directly over the island for the next several hours, bringing with it catastrophic winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening storm surges.
• Storm of the century: According to Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in an interview with CNN, Melissa will inflict "catastrophic damage." This is the first time Jamaica has faced a Category 5 hurricane, with a UN agency labeling it the "storm of the century."
• Already deadly: Hurricane Melissa has already claimed seven lives — three in Jamaica during preparations for the storm, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
Hurricane Melissa has just made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm. Authorities are cautioning that it could result in catastrophic damage to the nation.
Here is a brief overview of what to be aware of:
What the hurricane entails: Melissa made landfall at approximately 1 p.m. ET near New Hope, Jamaica. With winds of 185 mph, it is the most powerful storm on record to strike the country. Melissa is also tied for the second-strongest hurricane in Atlantic history based on wind speed.
What to expect next: Melissa is set to move directly over Jamaica for the next few hours, bringing catastrophic winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening storm surges. Central regions of Jamaica may experience up to 3 feet of rain over the next 48 hours, according to Evan Thompson, principal director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service.
What to anticipate afterward: Melissa is anticipated to maintain its status as a major hurricane, at least a Category 3 or higher, when it affects Cuba starting Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, as per the National Hurricane Center. Subsequently, hurricane conditions are expected in the southeastern and central Bahamas on Wednesday.