Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category Five storm, unleashing destructive winds of up to 185 mph (295 km/h) and torrential rainfall, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The NHC described the storm as “extremely dangerous and life-threatening,” urging residents to remain sheltered even as the eye passes.
“Do not go outside as the eye passes. Winds will quickly and rapidly increase again on the other side,” the agency warned in its latest advisory.
Melissa struck near the community of New Hope in the island’s southwest, uprooting trees, ripping off rooftops, and plunging vast areas into darkness.
Energy Minister Daryl Vaz reported that about one-third of Jamaica was without electricity as powerful winds downed transmission lines.
“Crews are on standby, but conditions remain too dangerous for repair work,” Vaz said.
Residents described scenes of devastation. One man told the BBC that “the winds are so strong you would not be able to stand up,” while another resident said, “Water is coming through my roof. I am not OK.”
In a national emergency broadcast, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie appealed to citizens to remain indoors and follow safety directives.
“This is not the time to be brave,” McKenzie warned. “Don’t bet against Melissa—it’s a bet we can’t win.”
Meteorologists cautioned that conditions could worsen overnight as the storm moves across the island, bringing heavier rainfall and stronger gusts.
Communication has been severely disrupted in several parishes, forcing emergency teams to rely on satellite phones to coordinate relief operations, according to local media reports.
