TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Extraordinarily harmful Class 5 Hurricane Melissa is slowly approaching Jamaica and can carry catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surge to the island, the Nationwide Hurricane Middle mentioned Tuesday.
Positioned about 40 miles southeast of Negril, Jamaica, Melissa is shifting towards the north-northeast at 9 mph.
Most sustained winds are 185 mph.
Air Drive Reserve Hurricane Hunters have discovered Melissa to be stronger because the northern eyewall approaches the southern coast of Jamaica. The attention of Melissa is anticipated to make landfall quickly.
Melissa is anticipated to maneuver over Jamaica at this time, throughout southeastern Cuba Wednesday morning, and throughout the southeastern or central Bahamas later Wednesday.
“This is an extremely dangerous and a life-threatening situation. Take action now to protect your life! Residents in the Jamaica should not leave their shelter as winds will rapidly increase within the eyewall of Melissa. Remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions,” the NHC mentioned.
“Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica and southeastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane, and it will still be at hurricane strength when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas,” the NHC mentioned.
Melissa is anticipated to carry rainfall of 15 to 30 inches to elements of Jamaica and 6 to 12 inches to southern Hispaniola by means of Wednesday, with a storm complete of 40 inches doable, the NHC mentioned.
Life-threatening storm surge is probably going alongside the coast of Jamaica with heights that would attain 9 to 13 toes above floor stage.
A hurricane warning is in impact for Jamaica and the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and the southeastern and central Bahamas.
A hurricane watch is in impact for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
A tropical storm warning is in impact for Haiti, the Cuban province of Las Tunas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mission DYNAMO is making ready to deploy a rescue group and provides to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. These in want of help or family members in want are requested to fill out a request kind on-line.
