Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica with Catastrophic Rainfall and Flooding

Strategic Insights -

Jamaica has been warned to prepare for the worst as Hurricane Melissa continues to strengthen offshore. The Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 230km/h (143mph), is expected to hit Jamaica hard, bringing with it catastrophic rainfall and flooding. The slow pace at which the storm is moving, just 7 kilometres (4 miles) an hour, suggests that areas in the hurricane's path could suffer extended punishing conditions and significant volumes of rainfall, with up to 1 metre (40 inches) expected in some areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hurricane Melissa is a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 230km/h (143mph) as of Sunday night, threatening to reach Category 5 strength with winds greater than 250 kilometres per hour (155 miles per hour).
  • The storm is expected to bring catastrophic rainfall and flooding to Jamaica, with up to 1 metre (40 inches) expected in some areas.
  • The slow pace of the storm, just 7 kilometres (4 miles) an hour, suggests that areas in the hurricane's path could suffer extended punishing conditions and significant volumes of rainfall.
  • Jamaica's government has ordered mandatory evacuations for several communities and is opening over 650 shelters across the country.
  • The storm surge is expected mainly over the southern side of the island, with potential for flooding in every parish of Jamaica.
  • The storm has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic this week.
  • Climate change is making tropical storms more frequent and severe, including causing heavier rainfall and slower-moving storms.
  • Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged wealthy countries to increase climate financing to assist countries like Jamaica with adapting to climate change.

Statistics:

  • Up to 1 metre (40 inches) of rainfall is expected in some areas as the storm passes directly over the island.
  • The storm is moving at a slow pace of just 7 kilometres (4 miles) an hour.
  • Over 650 shelters are open across Jamaica for those who need to evacuate.
  • The Dominican Republic's emergency operations centre has placed nine of 31 provinces on red alert due to a risk of flash floods, rising rivers, and landslides.
  • Jamaica's population is less than three million people, responsible for just 0.02 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from early June to late November, has already seen 13 named storms.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • AP News
  • AFP News
  • US National Hurricane Center
  • Jamaica Observer
  • The Daily Gleaner