KINGSTON, Jamaica — A powerful Category 4 Hurricane Melissa has slammed the brakes on its forward speed as it churns dangerously close to Jamaica’s southern coastline, sending the island into full preparation mode for what could be a direct landfall within hours.
At 10:00 a.m., the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) reported that the centre of Hurricane Melissa was located near latitude 16.4° North, longitude 76.6° West — roughly 172 kilometres (108 miles) south-southwest of Morant Point, or about 180 kilometres (110 miles) south of Kingston.
Melissa, which had been moving at 5 miles per hour earlier this morning, has now slowed to just 3 miles per hour, crawling westward while building even more strength over the warm Caribbean waters.
The system is expected to turn north and northeast by Monday into Tuesday, bringing its most dangerous winds and rains directly over the island.
“On the current forecast track, the centre of Melissa is expected to move closer to Jamaica and over the island through Tuesday,” warned the Met Service.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 220 km/h (140 mph), with higher gusts, keeping Melissa firmly in Category 4 status — and forecasters say further intensification is possible before landfall.
Winds and Waves Picking Up
Hurricane-force winds extend 35 kilometres (25 miles) from Melissa’s eye, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 280 kilometres (175 miles) outward. Already, gusty winds and outer rainbands have begun affecting sections of St. Thomas and Portland.
Flooding, Landslides and Storm Surge Threat
The Met Service says Melissa could dump 350 to 700 millimetres (15 to 30 inches) of rain across parts of Jamaica — with eastern parishes and hilly terrain most at risk for life-threatening flash floods and landslides.
A massive storm surge, between 9 and 13 feet, is also forecast along the south coast, with destructive waves expected late Monday through Tuesday morning.
Public Advisory
Residents are being urged to finalize hurricane preparations now and stay off the roads once winds begin to increase.
Small craft operators and fishers are strongly advised to remain in safe harbour until the all-clear is issued.
Mckoy’s News will continue to track Hurricane Melissa closely. Stay tuned for live updates as this dangerous system bears down on the island
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