Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to a category 5 storm as it tracks towards Jamaica with destructive winds and storm surge, risking catastrophic flooding.
An update from the National Hurricane Center reported maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260 kph).
In a public advisory, the Miami-based forecasting authority states: “Melissa is a category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening is forecast today, with fluctuations in intensity likely before Melissa makes landfall on Jamaica early Tuesday.”
It is expected to bring a “life-threatening storm surge”, “destructive hurricane conditions” and rainfall of 15 to 30in (38 to 76cm) to parts of Jamaica, and 40in (101cm) in some local areas.
“Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely,” the advisory adds.
Image:
Forecast track of Hurricane Melissa, which is now category 5. Pic: National Hurricane Center
Melissa was centred about 130 miles south-southwest of Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, and about 315 miles south-southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, and is moving west at 3mph (6 kph).
‘Life-threatening storm surge’
A “life-threatening storm surge” of up to 4m (13ft) above ground level is also predicted along the south coast of Jamaica, accompanied by large and destructive waves.
Eastern Cuba is also in the path of Melissa, with tropical storm conditions expected to begin in eastern Cuba on Tuesday. Total rainfall is predicted at between 10 to 15in, and perhaps 20in in some areas.
Bahamas on hurricane watch
A hurricane watch is also in effect across southeastern and central Bahamas along with the British Overseas Territory, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Those areas could experience tropical storm and hurricane conditions on Wednesday and rainfall totals of between 4 to 8in, resulting in flash flooding.
Damage in the Dominican Republic
The storm has already struck the Dominican Republic, where more than 750 homes have been damaged and floodwater has cut off access to at least 48 communities, officials said.
Schools and government offices have been ordered to remain closed on Monday in four of nine provinces.
In neighbouring Haiti, the storm destroyed crops in three regions, in a country where millions of people are experiencing hunger.
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