‘Pray for Jamaica’: Hurricane Melissa Expected to Deliver Direct Hit With Catastrophic Winds and Flooding

KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Officials and meteorologists are warning residents across Jamaica to brace for catastrophic damage as Hurricane Melissa — now a powerful Category 5 storm — barrels toward the island.

The Carolina Weather Association issued an urgent alert late Saturday, saying Jamaica is likely to take a direct hit early next week, bringing life-threatening winds, torrential rainfall, and dangerous flash flooding.

“Let’s keep our Jamaican friends in mind this week. Hurricane Melissa will be bad there,” the association wrote in a public post urging support and prayer.

Severe Impacts Expected by Monday Night

According to the association’s latest key messages, damaging winds and heavy rainfall will intensify across Jamaica by Monday afternoon, with the worst conditions expected overnight into Tuesday morning.

Meteorologists say extensive infrastructure damage, power outages, and landslides are likely, particularly in southern coastal areas and mountainous regions.

“Seek shelter now,” forecasters warned. “Life-threatening storm surge is likely along portions of the southern coast Monday night and Tuesday morning.”

Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are being urged to evacuate immediately if directed by local authorities.

Storm Strength and Path

Satellite imagery shows Hurricane Melissa’s distinct black-eye formation, signaling extreme intensity and rotation. Meteorologists have confirmed that Melissa could remain at Category 5 strength as it approaches Jamaica before gradually weakening once it moves north toward Cuba and the Bahamas.

The storm’s sustained winds are currently estimated at 160 mph, with higher gusts. Rainfall totals could exceed 15 inches in some regions, raising serious concerns about flash floods and mudslides.

Communities Brace for a Long Night Ahead

Emergency crews across Jamaica are preparing shelters, securing communication lines, and urging residents to stock up on essentials like food, water, and medical supplies.

Local resident Sandra Lambert commented online, “Please pray! It looks as if they will get a direct hit. I have a precious friend there who cares for her handicapped mom and young son.”

The storm is expected to be one of the most powerful systems to strike Jamaica in decades, with comparisons being drawn to Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.

Support and Relief Efforts Underway

Regional organizations, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), are coordinating with U.S. and international partners to assist in potential rescue and recovery efforts following landfall.

The Carolina Weather Association has encouraged followers across the U.S. and Caribbean to “pitch in with support if we can” — a message that has resonated with thousands online.

Officials Urge Vigilance

As of Sunday evening, Jamaica remains under a Hurricane Warning, with officials emphasizing that residents should not wait until conditions deteriorate to act.

“This event will leave generational impacts and could unleash a humanitarian disaster for the region,” storm chaser Adam Lucio warned earlier in a related report.

Forecasters say the next 48 hours will be critical, as the storm’s eye edges closer to Jamaica’s coastline.

Residents are urged to monitor official updates from the Jamaica Meteorological Service and National Hurricane Center (NHC) for real-time advisories.