Eastern Jamaica feeling Hurricane Melissa’s growing fury

Jamaica has begun to experience the effects of powerful Hurricane Melissa, which strengthened overnight into a Category 4 system, packing maximum sustained winds of 140 miles per hour.

Heavy rains and tropical-storm-force winds are already affecting eastern parishes, including Portland, St Thomas, and sections of Kingston, St Andrew, and St Catherine, as conditions steadily deteriorate across the island.

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica said a Hurricane Warning remains in effect as Melissa continues to move slowly westward but is expected to turn toward the island by Monday.

At 7 a.m., the centre of Hurricane Melissa was about 179 kilometres south of Morant Point or 195 kilometres south-southeast of Kingston.

Melissa is moving at about seven kilometres per hour and is expected to approach and move over Jamaica between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Further strengthening is likely through tonight, with fluctuations in intensity before landfall.

According to the Met Service, hurricane-force winds extend 35 kilometres from the centre, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 280 kilometres outward.

Rainfall totals of 350 to 700 millimetres (15 to 30 inches) are expected, especially over eastern and hilly areas, with life-threatening flash floods and landslides likely.

The storm surge along the south coast could rise between 9 and 13 feet above ground level late Monday into Tuesday, accompanied by large, destructive waves.

Small craft operators, including fishers on the cays and banks, have been urged to remain in safe harbour until all warnings are lifted and conditions return to normal.

The Meteorological Service said it continues to closely monitor Melissa’s progress, with the next bulletin to be issued at 11 a.m.

Melissa strengthened into a hurricane on Saturday.

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