Hurricane Melissa is rapidly strengthening — and Jamaica is directly in its path.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed Saturday that Melissa has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with winds reaching 75 miles (120 km) per hour, and is expected to become a major hurricane within the next 24 hours as it creeps slowly toward the island.
The system’s slow movement means Jamaica could face days of heavy rain, destructive winds, and catastrophic flooding, with forecasters warning that Melissa could become one of the most dangerous storms to strike the Caribbean this season.
“Catastrophic Flash Flooding Expected”
In its latest bulletin, the NHC issued dire warnings of life-threatening flash floods and landslides for both Jamaica and Haiti, especially across mountainous areas in the eastern and southwestern regions.
Three people in Haiti have already died this week after intense rain from Melissa’s outer bands triggered landslides and flash floods.
The NHC cautioned that the storm’s slow and unpredictable path makes it especially dangerous, as prolonged rainfall could isolate communities and cause extensive infrastructure damage.
“Residents in southwestern Haiti and across Jamaica should begin immediate preparations to protect life and property,” the NHC said.
Fears of Major Impact in Jamaica
Melissa’s projected path shows it approaching Jamaica from the south, where it is expected to stall and batter the island for several days before moving north toward eastern Cuba.
Meteorologists are warning that low-lying and coastal areas could experience storm surges, while the island’s interior — especially St. Thomas, St. Andrew, and eastern parishes — faces a heightened risk of flash flooding and landslides.
A Region on Edge
Across the Caribbean, anxiety is mounting as Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica all prepare for the storm’s impact.
The NHC said Melissa is moving “dangerously slow,” increasing the likelihood of long-duration rainfall and severe flooding.
In Haiti, where infrastructure remains fragile, emergency crews are already stretched thin after days of heavy downpours. The Dominican Republic’s southern coast has also been placed under flood watch as the system continues to expand.
The Bottom Line
Meteorologists say Hurricane Melissa could intensify into a major storm by Sunday, with conditions worsening overnight across Jamaica.
Officials are urging residents to stay indoors, stock up on essentials, and avoid flooded roads as the country braces for the full force of the storm.
This is not a fast-moving storm — it’s one that could linger.
And for Jamaica, every hour of rainfall could make the difference between survival and disaster.
