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U.S. NAVY MOVES AS HURRICANE MELISSA HEADS NORTH
DETAIL INFORMATION
Hurricane Melissa has made a sharp right turn and is currently on a direct path toward Jamaica, carrying Category 5 intensity. It is poised to be the strongest storm to ever strike the island and will probably continue into southeastern Cuba, close to the U.S. Navy station at Guantanamo Bay.
The National Hurricane Center forecasts "destructive winds and significant rainfall, leading to severe and life-endangering flash floods along with many landslides" throughout Jamaica, extending into Tuesday. With wind speeds reaching 150 knots, the storm's devastating force is expected to result in "complete structural collapse," particularly at increased altitudes.
The prime minister of the island, Andrew Holness, has instructed the evacuation of people in low-lying regions of Clarendon, St. Catherine, Kingston, and St. Andrew, all at risk on the southern coastline of the island. Officials estimate that as many as 50,000 individuals could be forced to evacuate due to the storm. The most severe effects may stem from intense rainfall, landslides, and flooding: the storm's eye is moving at a sluggish pace and will stay over Jamaica, releasing heavy downpours.