Hurricane Melissa Strengthens to Category 4, Threatens Northern Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified to a Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph) and the potential to become a Category 5 hurricane by Sunday night. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns of catastrophic flooding and torrential rain in Jamaica and Haiti, with up to 30 inches of rain expected in some areas. The storm is expected to reach the southern coast of Jamaica as a major hurricane late tonight or Tuesday morning.

Key Takeaways:

• Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph).
• The storm is expected to bring catastrophic flooding and torrential rain to Jamaica and Haiti, with up to 30 inches of rain expected in some areas.
• The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns of extensive damage to infrastructure, power and communication outages, and the isolation of communities in Jamaica.
• Melissa is expected to drop up to 40 inches of rain in some areas.
• The storm is expected to move toward Cuba by late Tuesday, bringing up to 12 inches of rain.
• The hurricane watch for Cuba may be upgraded to a warning later on Sunday.

Statistics:

• Maximum sustained winds: 140 mph (220 kph)
• Rainfall expected: up to 30 inches (760 millimeters) in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola
• Rainfall expected: up to 40 inches in some areas
• Expected landfall: late tonight or Tuesday morning in Jamaica
• Storm's current location: 110 miles (180 kilometers) south of Kingston, Jamaica
• Storm's projected path: toward Cuba by late Tuesday, then toward the Bahamas later Wednesday

Sources:

• U.S. National Hurricane Center
• Associated Press (Byline: MAURICIO SAVARESE and JOHN MYERS, JR.)