Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 5 storm and is making landfall in Jamaica, bringing catastrophic winds of 175 mph (282 km/h), torrential rainfall (up to 40 inches in some areas), flash flooding, and a life-threatening storm surge.

The latest advisories warn that the storm could become the most powerful hurricane to strike Jamaica since record-keeping began, with conditions deteriorating rapidly across the island, three fatalities reported, and authorities urging residents to shelter in place or evacuate where possible.

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Meteorologists expect Hurricane Melissa’s core to move over Jamaica today, cross southeastern Cuba early Wednesday, and then move toward the Bahamas later this week. The storm is already causing extensive damage with widespread power outages, flooding, and structural destruction expected. UK authorities confirm humanitarian assistance preparations due to the large British population in Jamaica.

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There is currently no direct impact forecast for the UK; any remnants of the hurricane are likely to dissipate over the North Atlantic and at most contribute to unsettled weather late next week, with no significant disruption projected for the UK at this time

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