A U.S. Air Force Reserve Crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the "Hurricane Hunters," made multiple passes inside Hurricane Melissa capturing astonishing footage that showcases the "stadium effect."
Hurricane Melissa is rapidly intensifying in the Caribbean, threatening catastrophic conditions for Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. As of Saturday evening, the storm escalated to a Category 2 hurricane, with winds reaching 100 mph. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Melissa could reach Category 5 status by Monday, making it one of the most powerful storms on record in the region. This article explores the current situation, the potential impact on affected areas, and what travelers need to know as the hurricane approaches.
Melissa is currently moving at a slow pace—around 3 mph—through the Caribbean, a factor that significantly raises the threat level. As it crawls towards Jamaica and the southern parts of Haiti, the storm’s rainfall is expected to be a major concern, with up to 30 inches of rain forecasted in some areas. Localized rain totals could even reach 40 inches. This heavy rainfall, combined with tropical humidity, is expected to trigger severe flooding and mudslides, especially in the mountainous regions of Haiti and Jamaica.
The island nation of Jamaica is expected to bear the brunt of the storm’s impact. The slow-moving nature of the hurricane could cause massive flooding and prolonged rainfall, leaving Kingston and other regions exposed to the risk of dangerous flooding, especially in areas like Sandy Gully, a waterway that has been clogged with debris. As Melissa inches closer, winds are likely to increase, reaching hurricane strength by Sunday night or early Monday.
In Haiti, the situation is similarly dire. The Haitian Civil Protection Agency has already reported casualties due to landslides and flooding caused by the storm’s outer rainbands. The heavy downpours that have already impacted Haiti are expected to intensify, causing more casualties and extensive damage to roads and infrastructure. The NHC has urged residents of both countries to prepare immediately for potential destruction.
Forecasts indicate that Melissa’s rapid intensification could lead to a Category 5 hurricane by Monday. This would make the storm not only highly dangerous but also potentially record-breaking in the region. Category 5 hurricanes are the most destructive on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with winds exceeding 157 mph. As Jamaica braces for this possibility, authorities have implemented emergency protocols, including halting elective surgeries at hospitals and preparing for widespread power outages.
Travel Advisory: The US National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for Jamaica, advising against all non-essential travel. Southern Haiti remains under a hurricane watch, and parts of the Dominican Republic are still grappling with ongoing storm-related issues. If you are currently traveling in the affected regions or planning to visit, you should consider postponing or altering your trip.
Flight Disruptions: Both Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport in Jamaica have begun reducing operations, with Norman Manley set to close its runways after the evening flight schedule. If you’re planning to depart from Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, you should check with your airline for updated flight information and be aware of potential delays or cancellations.
One of the main threats posed by Melissa is its slow speed. When hurricanes move slowly, they dump large amounts of rain over the same areas, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. This phenomenon was seen during past storms, like Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which brought devastating flooding to Texas, and Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which caused catastrophic damage in the Bahamas. In the case of Melissa, the mountainous terrain of Haiti and Jamaica will further exacerbate the flooding, as heavy rain falls onto steep slopes, creating the perfect conditions for mudslides.
Melissa’s explosive intensification can be traced to several factors. The Caribbean Sea is notably warm, providing the storm with plenty of fuel to strengthen. Additionally, the lack of cooler waters beneath the surface means that the storm can continue feeding off the heat, leading to stronger winds and storm surges. Global warming has been linked to more frequent instances of rapid intensification, a concerning trend that could be seen more often in the coming years as ocean temperatures continue to rise.
The post Travel Alerts as Hurricane Melissa Strengthens: Severe Flooding and Winds Expected to Impact Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic – Updates You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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