‘Catastrophic’: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica | Tracking the Tropics

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — “Extremely dangerous” Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, bringing catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surge to the island, the National Hurricane Center said Tuesday.

The eye of the storm made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica at around 1 p.m.

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As of the NHC’s 5 p.m. update, Melissa’s maximum sustained winds are 145 mph, making it a Category 4 storm.

Melissa is expected to move across southeastern Cuba Wednesday morning, and across the southeastern or central Bahamas later Wednesday.

“This is an extremely dangerous and a life-threatening situation. Take action now to protect your life! Residents in the Jamaica should not leave their shelter as winds will rapidly increase within the eyewall of Melissa. Remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions,” the NHC said.

Melissa is one of the most intense hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin and has tied the “Labor Day” hurricane of 1935 for the strongest storm at landfall.

Melissa is expected to bring rainfall of 15 to 30 inches to parts of Jamaica and 6 to 12 inches to southern Hispaniola through Wednesday, with a storm total of 40 inches possible, the NHC said.

Life-threatening storm surge is likely along the coast of Jamaica with heights that could reach 9 to 13 feet above ground level.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica and the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and the southeastern and central Bahamas.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Haiti, the Cuban province of Las Tunas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Project DYNAMO is preparing to deploy a rescue team and supplies to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. Those in need of assistance or loved ones in need are asked to fill out a request form online.