Historic Storm Brings 165 mph Winds and Catastrophic Rainfall
Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, unleashing 165 mph winds and torrential rainfall as it bears down on Jamaica. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that the storm will bring “extensive infrastructure damage,” with up to 40 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13 feet expected along parts of the coast.
Melissa’s outer bands are already battering Jamaica with high winds and heavy rain. Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for vulnerable coastal areas ahead of what could become the strongest hurricane ever to hit the country. So far, the storm has claimed at least four lives—three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.
Rapid Intensification Linked to Warming Oceans
The hurricane’s explosive growth stunned forecasters. Melissa’s winds increased by 70 mph in just 24 hours over the weekend—an example of extreme rapid intensification that scientists say is becoming more frequent due to warming oceans and higher atmospheric moisture fueled by fossil fuel pollution.
The storm is now the 45th Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic and the third of this season. As global sea surface temperatures rise, hurricanes are gaining strength more quickly and producing heavier rainfall, leading to increased flooding and destruction in coastal regions.
Jamaica Faces Strongest Storm Since Hurricane Gilbert
Melissa may be Jamaica’s most powerful hurricane since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which killed at least 40 people and devastated much of the island. Authorities say the country has made significant strides in strengthening its infrastructure since then—but the coming days will test those improvements like never before.
“We’re certainly better prepared than we would have been in the ’80s,” said Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, in an interview with CNN. “But when you speak about 160 mph winds, we’ve never tested our new infrastructure in that regard.” Gilbert’s winds reached 135 mph when it made landfall 37 years ago.
Power utilities and emergency crews have been put on high alert. Authorities have reinforced hospitals, communication lines, and flood defenses, though officials acknowledge that 160 mph sustained winds and massive storm surges could cut off entire communities.
Life-Threatening Flooding and Storm Surge Expected
The NHC warned that the storm’s impact could be catastrophic. Storm surges between nine and 13 feet are expected to inundate coastal regions, while mountainous areas could face flash flooding and mudslides. The government urged residents to seek higher ground immediately and avoid traveling through flood-prone zones.
With the island bracing for the full force of the storm, emergency shelters have opened across Jamaica, and international aid agencies are preparing to mobilize relief operations once conditions allow. As Melissa approaches landfall, forecasters warn the coming hours will be decisive for both Jamaica’s safety and its resilience against climate-fueled megastorms.