Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica Braces for Catastrophic Category 5 Storm

Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica Braces for Catastrophic Category 5 Storm

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 165 mph, is bearing down on Jamaica, threatening to become the strongest hurricane in the island’s history.

The storm is expected to make landfall late Monday or early Tuesday, bringing catastrophic winds, torrential rain, and life-threatening storm surges.

The National Hurricane Center has warned of up to 40 inches of rainfall in some areas, which could lead to devastating flash flooding and landslides.

Storm surges along Jamaica’s southern coast are predicted to reach heights of 13 feet, accompanied by destructive waves.

Officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for vulnerable coastal communities, urging residents to seek shelter immediat