Jamaica is holding its breath. Hurricane Melissa — now a monstrous Category 5 — is roaring toward the island, promising devastating winds and catastrophic floods within hours.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns that Melissa is packing sustained winds of 165 mph (270 km/h).
It could become the strongest storm ever to strike Jamaica.
“This is an extremely dangerous system,” said an NHC forecaster. “It’s not just the wind — it’s the rain.”
And that rain could be relentless. Up to 40 inches (100 cm) are expected in some regions — enough to turn streets into rivers.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered urgent evacuations, urging citizens to “prepare, stay indoors, and comply with evacuation orders.”
Jamaica Braces For Impact
Big waves already batter Kingston’s coast. School buses are rushing to move people to shelters.
Even toll booths have been opened to keep traffic flowing.
Melissa has already claimed four lives across Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Floods swept through neighborhoods and trapped residents in cars.
Forecasters say Jamaica will feel the full force tonight and into Tuesday before the storm barrels toward Cuba and the Bahamas.
For now, Jamaicans can only wait — watching the horizon darken, hoping Melissa’s fury spares their island.
Because when nature’s strongest storms arrive, preparation meets prayer.
