Kingston, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has intensified as it moves through the Caribbean, posing a serious threat to Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Meteorologists warn of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and high winds, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain in safe shelters and avoid unnecessary travel.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Melissa reached Category 5 strength early Monday, with sustained winds exceeding 160 mph (257 km/h). Forecasters predict that the storm will maintain its intensity over the next 48 hours, causing life-threatening storm surges along coastlines and heavy rainfall exceeding 10 inches in some regions.
Authorities in Jamaica have activated emergency protocols, including mandatory evacuation zones in low-lying areasand deployment of the Jamaican Defence Force for potential rescue operations. In Haiti, where recent rains have already destabilized hillsides, officials warn that landslides could bury homes and cut off access to critical infrastructure. Cuban authorities have also issued alerts in the eastern provinces, emphasizing the need for residents to secure property and prepare for possible evacuations.
Experts highlight that hurricanes of Melissa’s magnitude can cause widespread damage to agriculture, electricity networks, and transportation, particularly in countries with limited disaster response capacity. According to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), previous Category 5 hurricanes in the region have resulted in billions of dollars in economic losses and thousands of displaced residents.
In addition to immediate threats, meteorologists warn that Melissa’s trajectory could shift unpredictably, potentially impacting southern Florida or the Bahamas by later this week. Governments across the Caribbean are coordinating with the United Nations and international relief organizations to ensure resources are pre-positioned for rapid response and humanitarian aid.
Local residents have expressed concern on social media, sharing images of storm preparations, sandbagging, and stocked emergency supplies. “We are taking no chances,” said Marisol Hernandez, a resident of Montego Bay. “The warnings are serious, and everyone in our community is helping each other get ready.”
The coming days will be critical for Caribbean nations as Hurricane Melissa continues to strengthen and advance, with emergency services and citizens bracing for what could be one of the most severe storms of the season.