(Adnkronos) – The power of Hurricane Melissa has rapidly increased, doubling its intensity over the weekend and reaching the rare Category 5 level with winds of 256 kilometers per hour. This was announced by the National Hurricane Center, explaining that the hurricane is expected to make landfall in Jamaica tomorrow morning, becoming the strongest hurricane ever recorded on the island. Hospitals have been activated in ”emergency mode”, all airports have been closed, and shelters have been activated across the country for people living in vulnerable areas, said Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie at a press conference.
“Do not venture outside your safe shelter,” reads a statement released by the National Hurricane Center. “Catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash floods and numerous landslides are likely today and tomorrow. Destructive winds, especially in the mountains, will begin to blow by this evening, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, long-lasting power and communication outages, and the isolation of communities,” it continues.
The Jamaican government has issued mandatory evacuation orders for several vulnerable coastal communities, including some areas of Kingston. “The hurricane is expected to primarily impact the southern side of the island and will produce its effects as it approaches the southern coast,” said Evan Thompson, director of the Jamaica Meteorological Service. The maximum storm surge height could reach 2.7-4 meters.
Torrential rains and precipitation up to 76 centimeters are expected on the island, as well as extreme winds that will occur between tonight and tomorrow in Jamaica. Authorities warn of the risk of fallen trees, power outages, and structural damage. All public hospitals are in “emergency mode,” suspending outpatient procedures to ensure more beds are available, as explained by Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness.
