Hurricane Melissa could bring catastrophic floods and landslides : NPR
Hurricane Melissa’s predicted path across the Caribbean
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Hurricane Melissa is expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane on Sunday. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the hurricane is likely to cause life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in parts of Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, which includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The category two hurricane was moving at three miles per hour Saturday evening with peak sustained winds of 100 miles per hour. The slow movement of the storm is expected to bring a deluge of rain to parts of the Caribbean and prolong its dangerous effects for a period of several days.
A hurricane watch is issued for Haiti from its border with the Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince. Melissa was located about 250 miles southwest of the Haitian capital on Saturday evening. The storm was also approaching Kingston, Jamaica. A hurricane warning is in effect for the island.
At a press briefing on Saturday, Jamaican officials said time was running out for residents to prepare for the storm. Evan Thompson, director of Jamaica’s weather service, warned that Melissa could be worse than previous major storms that hit the island, such as Hurricane Wilma in 2005.
“It’s going to sit there pouring water while it’s barely moving. And that’s a significant challenge that we need to be aware of,” Thompson said. “This will cause significant, widespread, catastrophic and life-threatening flooding for as long as what is predicted occurs.”
The National Hurricane Center predicts Hurricane Melissa will make landfall in Jamaica early next week. The center forecasts 15 to 30 inches of rain in Jamaica and parts of southern Hispaniola through midweek. Some local areas of the region could receive up to 40 inches of rain.
The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) said the island’s National Water Commission fully activated its emergency protocols. Hospitals, children’s homes and correctional facilities will be prioritized for trucking of water if Jamaica’s water supply is disrupted. The JIS also warned residents to be aware that flooding could displace crocodiles from waterways.
At least one person has been killed in the Dominican Republic due to heavy rains. Three people are believed to have died in Haiti due to a landslide and falling tree.
In southwest Haiti, the National Hurricane Center describes potential flash flooding and landslides as catastrophic and life-threatening.
Forecasters are urging eastern Cuba, the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands to closely monitor Hurricane Melissa. The US Navy on Saturday ordered non-essential personnel and families to evacuate the Guantanamo Bay base in Cuba. Hurricane conditions are expected in eastern Cuba from Tuesday to Wednesday. Rainfall totals could reach more than a foot.
