As tropical-storm season reaches its peak in the Caribbean, Jamaica now finds itself braced for what might become its most ferocious storm on record.
Screenshot from “Here’s how to prepare for a hurricane” AP News (@AP)
What’s happening?
According to AP News, Hurricane Melissa has surged to Category 5, the highest on the National Hurricane Center scale, with sustained winds exceeding 157 mph (250 km/h). The storm is slowly crawling toward Jamaica’s southern coast, where a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 m) is forecast, along with potential rainfall in excess of 30-40 inches (75-100 cm) in some eastern parishes.
Why it matters for visitors
If you have plans to visit Jamaica (or already are), this is now quite literally a “ruffly skies and cancelled flights” scenario. Ports, airports and resorts along the southern fringe (places typically billed as “sunny-sea-and-sand”) are on high alert. With the island’s key infrastructure (including its main international airport) in the surge zone, expect travel chaos and possible evacuation orders.
Regional Ripple Effects
While Jamaica is directly in the crosshairs, the wider Caribbean is also under duress. Parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic have already reported fatalities, flooding and crop damage from advance rains. Cuba is next in the forecast path.
What to do if you’re travelling
- Verify with your airline or travel operator about flight/journey status and hotel evacuation plans.
- Check whether your accommodation has an emergency plan – especially if you’re in low-lying or coastal areas.
- Pack essentials in a carry-on: water, charger, torch, meds – a slow-moving Category 5 means “sit tight” for 24-36 hrs or more.
- Follow local instructions. When authorities in flood-prone zones say “leave”, consider it serious. One Jamaican official warned: “Do not gamble with Melissa.”
Outlook
Melissa’s slow pace is magnifying the threat: stagnant storm systems allow rainfall and surge to linger, creating prolonged damage. While Jamaica’s mountainous terrain might weaken the eyewall at land-fall, the deluge, mudslides and coastal flooding risk remain very real. If Jamaica was on your must-visit list in the coming days, it may be wise to pause or postpone. If you’re already on the island, head inland or to higher ground if advised and keep one eye on the weather, the other on your travel backup plan. The calm you thought you booked may turn into waiting it out, flooded roads and power outages.
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