KINGSTON, Jamaica — A robust Class 4 Hurricane Melissa has slammed the brakes on its ahead velocity because it churns dangerously near Jamaica’s southern shoreline, sending the island into full preparation mode for what may very well be a direct landfall inside hours.
At 10:00 a.m., the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) reported that the centre of Hurricane Melissa was positioned close to latitude 16.4° North, longitude 76.6° West — roughly 172 kilometres (108 miles) south-southwest of Morant Level, or about 180 kilometres (110 miles) south of Kingston.
Melissa, which had been transferring at 5 miles per hour earlier this morning, has now slowed to simply 3 miles per hour, crawling westward whereas constructing much more energy over the nice and cozy Caribbean waters.
The system is predicted to show north and northeast by Monday into Tuesday, bringing its most harmful winds and rains immediately over the island.
“On the present forecast monitor, the centre of Melissa is predicted to maneuver nearer to Jamaica and over the island by means of Tuesday,” warned the Met Service.
Most sustained winds stay close to 220 km/h (140 mph), with larger gusts, maintaining Melissa firmly in Class 4 standing — and forecasters say additional intensification is feasible earlier than landfall.
Winds and Waves Choosing Up
Hurricane-force winds prolong 35 kilometres (25 miles) from Melissa’s eye, whereas tropical-storm-force winds attain as much as 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 Risk
The Met Service says Melissa might dump 350 to 700 millimetres (15 to 30 inches) of rain throughout components of Jamaica — with japanese parishes and hilly terrain most in danger for life-threatening flash floods and landslides.
A large storm surge, between 9 and 13 ft, can also be forecast alongside the south coast, with damaging waves anticipated late Monday by means of Tuesday morning.
Public Advisory
Residents are being urged to finalize hurricane preparations now and keep off the roads as soon as winds start to extend.
Small craft operators and fishers are strongly suggested to stay in protected harbour till the all-clear is issued.
Mckoy’s Information will proceed to trace Hurricane Melissa carefully. Keep tuned for dwell updates as this harmful system bears down on the island
