Jamaica is preparing for what could be the most powerful hurricane in its recorded history as Category 5 Hurricane Melissa barrels toward the island, packing winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and the threat of catastrophic flooding.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded Melissa to Category 5 early Monday, with the storm located approximately 130 miles (209 km) south-southwest of Kingston at 09:00 GMT. Forecasters warn it may intensify further over the next 12 to 24 hours.
If the hurricane follows its projected path, its core will pass near or directly over Jamaica late Monday into Tuesday, then move across southeastern Cuba Tuesday night and the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday.
The storm’s sluggish pace is a major concern, with some areas of Jamaica potentially receiving up to 40 inches (100 cm) of rain over four days, according to NHC projections.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered immediate evacuations in vulnerable communities island-wide, with the entire nation under threat. All 881 emergency shelters are now open, officials confirmed.
“Destructive winds and life-threatening storm surges” are expected to begin overnight Monday, the NHC stated.
Melissa has already claimed four lives on Hispaniola. In Haiti, at least three people died amid torrential rains that flooded hundreds of homes. In the Dominican Republic, a 79-year-old man was swept away by floodwaters in Santo Domingo, and a 13-year-old boy remains missing after being caught in strong currents while swimming.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been urged to seek higher ground immediately.