Hurricane Melissa Brings Catastrophic Category 5 Storm Surge to Jamaica

Strategic Insights -

Jamaica prepared for the worst as Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm to hit the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago, made its way towards the island. The storm was expected to make landfall in the early hours of Tuesday, causing catastrophic damage and a life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) across southern Jamaica. The government had warned of the potential for devastating flash flooding and landslides, with officials cautioning that the cleanup and damage assessment would be slow.

Key Takeaways:

  • The storm was expected to make landfall in the early hours of Tuesday, causing catastrophic damage and a life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) across southern Jamaica.
  • The government had warned of the potential for devastating flash flooding and landslides, with officials cautioning that the cleanup and damage assessment would be slow.
  • Over 50 generators were available to deploy after the storm, but people were advised to set aside clean water and use it sparingly, as every drop would count.
  • The storm had already been blamed for seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic, with one person remaining missing.
  • The government had ordered evacuations in flood-prone communities, but most families were sheltering in place, with some having never experienced a storm of this magnitude before.

Statistics:

  • Maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (280 kph) were recorded, with the storm moving north-northeast at 2 mph (4 kph).
  • A hurricane warning was in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin provinces in Cuba, while a tropical storm warning was in effect for Las Tunas.
  • Up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain were forecast for parts of Cuba, along with a significant storm surge along the coast.
  • Over 600,000 people were evacuated from the region in Cuba, including Santiago, the island's second-largest city.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • National Hurricane Center
  • Jamaican Meteorological Service
  • Mercy Corps
  • Cuban Government