Category 4 Hurricane Melissa threatens to cause catastrophic flooding in Jamaica and Haiti

Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane and could further develop into a Category 5 hurricane as it approaches Jamaica, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The hurricane will likely trigger life-threatening and catastrophic flooding and landslides in parts of the island nation — where a hurricane warning is in effect — as well as in southern Hispaniola, which consists of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

A hurricane warning has been issued for Haiti, from its eastern border with the Dominican Republic to the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The Category 4 hurricane was moving at five mph Sunday morning, with maximum sustained winds reaching 140 mph.

The slow movement of the storm is expected to bring heavy rains to parts of the Caribbean, prolonging its dangerous effects over several days.

During a press conference on Saturday, Jamaican officials said residents were running out of time to prepare for the storm. Evan Thompson, director of the Jamaica Meteorological Service, warned that Melissa could be worse than previous major storms that have hit the island, such as Hurricane Melissa. Hurricane Wilma In 2005.

"He will sit there pouring water and barely move. This is a big challenge that we have to realize." Thompson said. "It will cause major, widespread, catastrophic and life-threatening flooding, as long as the forecast occurs."

The National Hurricane Center expects Melissa will likely reach the southern coast of Jamaica on Tuesday morning, and urged Jamaicans to seek shelter now.

The center expects 15 to 30 inches of rain in Jamaica and parts of southern Hispaniola through midweek. Some local areas in the region could see up to 40 inches of rain.

The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) said the island’s national water commission Activate emergency protocols fully. Hospitals, children’s homes and correctional facilities will be given priority for water trucking in the event of a disruption to Jamaica’s water supply. JIS also warned residents that floods could lead to the displacement of crocodiles from waterways.

At least one person has died in the Dominican Republic as a result of torrential rains. Three deaths were reported in Haiti due to a landslide and a falling tree.

In southwestern Haiti, the National Hurricane Center described flash floods and potential landslides as catastrophic and life-threatening.

Forecasters are urging eastern Cuba, the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands to closely monitor Hurricane Melissa.

The US Navy ordered non-essential personnel and their families to evacuate the base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Saturday. A hurricane is expected in eastern Cuba from Tuesday to Wednesday. Rainfall totals could reach more than a foot.

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