Hurricane

Historic Landfall in Jamaica
Jamaica bore the brunt of Melissa when the storm struck as a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of about 185 mph, making it one of the most powerful Atlantic landfalls on record.
The island’s southwestern region, especially near the coast, suffered devastating wind, surge and rainfall. Officials warned of 9–13 feet (≈3–4 m) of storm surge and up to 30–40 inches (≈75–100 cm) of rain in mountainous areas.
At least seven deaths are now confirmed across the Caribbean: three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
In response, Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared Jamaica a “disaster area,” citing damage to homes, hospitals and infrastructure.

Approach to Cuba
After leaving Jamaica, the hurricane weakened somewhat but remained dangerous. As it neared eastern Cuba, it was classified as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds around 115 mph.
Cuban authorities evacuated at least 500 000 people from vulnerable provinces.
Expressions of concern highlighted the risk of up to 25 inches of rainfall, life‑threatening floods and landslides, and 10–12 ft (3–4 m) storm surge for the southeastern coast of Cuba.

Outlook & Broader Impact
Melissa is now heading toward the central Bahamas and beyond. Authorities in the region remain on high alert.
The storm’s slow pace and massive intensity make it especially dangerous — the longer it lingers, the greater the damage potential.

Key Figures at a Glance
Peak winds at Jamaica landfall: ~185 mph (≈295 km/h).

Confirmed deaths: At least seven across the Caribbean.

Evacuations in Cuba: ≈500 000 people.

Rainfall and surge threats: ~30–40 inches rain + up to ~13 ft surge in Jamaica; ~25 inches + up to ~11–12 ft surge in Cuba.

Related Posts

“My Husband Left for a Business Trip — Minutes Later, My Six-Year-Old Whispered, ‘Mommy… We Have to Run. Now.’”

My husband Derek had just left for a business trip when my six-year-old daughter tugged my sleeve with trembling fingers and whispered words that would shatter everything…

My husband kissed my forehead and said, “France. Just a short business trip.”

My husband kissed my forehead and said, “France. Just a short business trip.” A few hours later, as I stepped out of the operating room, my heart…

My eight-year-old son was beaten nearly to death in his grandfather’s driveway while three grown men laughed and held him down.

My eight-year-old son was beaten nearly to death in his grandfather’s driveway while three grown men laughed and held him down. That sentence still does not feel…

Never Had To Speak Until One Day Everything Changed

Wyatt came downstairs with that half-smile he had been wearing since he was seventeen, the one that meant he had already decided how the room was going…

I Was the Only One at My Grandpa’s Funeral Until a General Saw His Ring and Asked Me One Question

The Quiet Man As told by his granddaughter My grandfather was the quietest person in every room he ever entered. Not shy, not withdrawn, not socially inept…

My Parents Threw Me Out at 16 Until Years Later They Came Begging Without Knowing Who I Had Become

The Inheritance I was staring at the email when I realized my hands were shaking. The message glowed on my monitor, framed by the wide glass walls…