KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 3 storm after making landfall in Jamaica, but officials warn that the system remains dangerous and life-threatening as it moves northwest toward Cuba.
At its peak, Melissa was a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 125 mph (201 km/h), leaving behind a trail of destruction across Jamaica — flooding homes, uprooting trees, and damaging critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
Severe Damage Across Jamaica
Large sections of the island have been left bare and underwater, especially along the southern coast where forecasters had predicted a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet above normal tide levels.
Entire neighborhoods have been flooded, and emergency crews are still working to reach cut-off communities.
Power outages remain widespread, with communication lines down in multiple parishes.
Cuba Next in the Storm’s Path
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the eye of Melissa is now located southwest of Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, moving northwest at a slow pace.
Cuban authorities are bracing for impact, as forecasts predict:
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12 to 18 inches of rainfall, with isolated areas possibly seeing more,
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life-threatening storm surges,
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and powerful winds capable of damaging homes and infrastructure.
The southeastern tip of Cuba is expected to experience landfall within hours, with officials warning of flash flooding, road washouts, and landslides in mountainous regions.
The Road to Recovery
While Melissa’s winds have weakened, its slow movement means prolonged rainfall and worsening flooding are still possible across both islands.
In Jamaica, recovery teams are clearing roads, restoring power, and assessing damage to major hospitals in Hanover, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny, and St. James.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged Jamaicans to remain vigilant, warning that secondary flooding and landslides may continue for days.
“The worst may be behind us, but the danger is not over,” he said.
The Takeaway
Hurricane Melissa may have lost some strength, but its impact across the Caribbean remains devastating.
With Cuba now in its path, forecasters warn that the system could bring catastrophic flooding and life-threatening conditions before it finally moves into open waters later this week.
