Hurricane Melissa’s Path: Tracking the Devastating Category 5 Storm After Landfall

Hurricane Melissa It made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon as a Category 5 hurricane, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin.

Here is Melissa’s projected path:

Gale-force winds began in western Jamaica on Tuesday morning and will last into the evening.

ET, Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope with estimated maximum sustained winds of 185 mph. This is considered an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation; Jamaicans are urged to shelter at home.

The worst storm surge will occur in the western half of the island, where 9 to 13 feet of storm surge will inundate the coast. On the northwest side of the island, the Montego Bay area could see 2 to 4 feet of storm surge above ground level. The capital city of Kingston will see harmful storm surge, but not the worst.

Heavy rain will flood the entire island, with totals of 15 to 30 inches expected, and in some areas up to 40 inches. The rain is likely to cause catastrophic flash flooding and landslides.

Jamaicans should be prepared for extensive damage to infrastructure and prolonged power outages.

Southeastern Cuba will feel hurricane-force winds from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning. Cuba is forecast to experience between 7 and 11 feet of storm surge, up to 25 inches of rain, and potentially catastrophic mudslides and flash flooding.

The southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands will feel the impacts of Hurricane Melissa on Wednesday. Storm surges of four to 6 feet are expected along with 5 to 10 inches of rain.

Melissa will remain a hurricane when it passes near Bermuda on Friday morning.