KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa barrels toward the island with maximum sustained winds exceeding 160 mph, emergency management agencies have begun executing their most aggressive pre-disaster protocols in years. The storm, currently classified as a Category 5 system, is expected to begin impacting the island within hours.
Authorities have confirmed that Hurricane Melissa poses a grave national threat—with forecasts signaling not only violent winds but also sustained, torrential rainfall that could reshape the island’s infrastructure. The Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) has elevated the national alert level, citing extreme risk to life and property.
Meteorological officials warn that central parishes are likely to absorb the worst of the deluge, with rainfall totals ranging from 12 to 16 inches, posing a high likelihood of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surge in coastal zones. Communities across Manchester, Clarendon, and St Elizabeth are particularly vulnerable.
The projected track has Hurricane Melissa making landfall near Parottee, St Elizabeth, sweeping across the central and northwestern belt of the island before exiting—most likely through southern Trelawny. While some weakening is anticipated after landfall, the storm is expected to maintain major hurricane strength throughout its transit across Jamaica.
Residents have been strongly urged to:
- Shelter in structurally secure areas of their homes
- Stockpile food, water, and medical supplies
- Maintain battery-powered communication devices
- Comply with all evacuation and shelter advisories from local authorities
“This is not the time for guesswork or optimism,” a senior disaster response official stated during a late-evening update. “Treat this as a direct hit. Assume you are in the path.”
Electric utilities, telecom providers, and first responder teams are on high alert, with emergency staging areas activated across the island. However, authorities have stressed that services may be disrupted for days post-impact, particularly in rural or flood-prone zones.
As Jamaica braces for the arrival of Melissa, the government has called for unity, preparation, and calm—reminding citizens that how they act now will define the outcome of the next 72 hours.
More updates will follow as the situation unfolds.
