Tropical Storm Melissa is gaining strength over the weekend, raising concerns about its potential impact on Jamaica. Formed in the southern Caribbean Sea on October 21, Melissa is moving slowly towards Jamaica, where it is anticipated to have severe consequences.
Renowned tropical cyclone analyst and hurricane historian Michael Ferragamo took to the social media platform X, warning of Melissa’s meandering track over the island, which is expected to bring prolonged periods of heavy rain, strong winds, and surges. Ferragamo highlighted the potential for Melissa to surpass the impact of the historic Gilbert hurricane in 1988.
Gilbert, Jamaica’s strongest recorded hurricane, struck the island with winds reaching 115 knots (130 mph) and caused significant devastation. The storm led to 45 confirmed deaths in Jamaica and widespread damage to infrastructure, leaving many homeless.
As preparations for Melissa’s potential landfall in Jamaica progressed, officials urged citizens to stay alert. Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Christopher Tufton, announced that public hospitals were on standby in emergency mode, reallocating resources to handle potential influxes of patients.
Although Jamaica’s airports remain operational at present, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, Daryl Vaz, indicated that they would likely close within 24 hours of a hurricane warning. AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, warned of the looming threats of torrential rainfall, flash flooding, power outages, and infrastructure damage across several Caribbean nations.
The situation remains critical as authorities and residents brace for the impending impact of Tropical Storm Melissa in the region.