#AyonMelissa. Credit score: Google Maps
Jamaica is bracing for essentially the most highly effective hurricane in trendy historical past as Hurricane Melissa, now a Class 4 superstorm, slowly heads towards the island.
The US Nationwide Hurricane Middle (NHC) warned on Saturday, October 25, that Melissa “might be the biggest direct landfall on the island since tropical cyclone data have been set within the Atlantic Basin.”
The storm is hurtling towards the west with robust winds close to 140 mph (225 kph). Landfall is predicted late Monday into Tuesday (October 27-28), with the potential to strengthen to Class 5 at one level.
Catastrophic flooding and landslides anticipated throughout Jamaica
The NHC is predicting 15 to 30 inches (380 to 760 mm) of rain throughout the island, with remoted totals reaching as much as 40 inches (1 m) in mountainous areas, ranges that might trigger life-threatening flash floods and landslides.
“The extreme winds {that a} Class 4 hurricane is prone to generate might push ocean water up the shoreline, pushing properties and communities again into the ocean,” Jamaica Meteorological Service Chief Director Evan Thompson mentioned, by way of the Jamaica Observer.
The Nationwide Emergency Operations Middle (NEOC) has turn into operational and greater than 650 emergency shelters have been opened throughout the nation.
- Norman Manley Worldwide Airport and Sangster Worldwide Airport are closed.
- Curfews and visitors restrictions are in place in a number of parishes.
- Emergency groups stay on excessive alert and ODPEM urges residents to “obey all official warnings”.
Though Jamaica is throughout the hurricane belt, direct landfall is uncommon. Meteorologist Jeff Masters advised the Washington Submit that Melissa’s sluggish movement and heavy rain might create a “worst-case situation.”
Haiti and Dominican Republic additionally on alert as a result of Hurricane Melissa
NOAA warns that Melissa’s affect will even have an effect on Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the place not less than 4 deaths have already been reported. Heavy rain and landslides are anticipated till midweek, doubtlessly slicing off communities within the mountains.
A hurricane watch can be in place in southwestern Haiti and japanese Cuba, with the hurricane forecast to trace towards the southern Bahamas later this week.
For official updates, please go to: NHC Hurricane Melissa’s web page.
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