'Life-threatening storm' set to strike Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa strengthens to category 5

Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to a category 5 storm as it tracks towards Jamaica with destructive winds and storm surge, risking catastrophic flooding.

An update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260 kph), as residents were ordered to evacuate to shelters.

In a public advisory, the Miami-based forecasting authority states: "Melissa is a category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening is forecast today, with fluctuations in intensity likely before Melissa makes landfall on Jamaica early Tuesday."

It is expected to bring a "life-threatening storm surge", "destructive hurricane conditions" and rainfall of 15 to 30in (38 to 76cm) to parts of Jamaica, and 40in (101cm) in some local areas.

"Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely," the advisory adds.

Melissa was centred about 130 miles south-southwest of Jamaica's capital, Kingston, and about 315 miles south-southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, and is moving west at 3mph (6 kph).

"Don't make foolish decisions," warned Daryl Vaz, Jamaica's transport minister. "We are in a very, very serious time over the next few days."

Jamaica's two main airports were closed on Sunday and nearly 900 shelters have been opened around the country.

'Life-threatening storm surge'

A "life-threatening storm surge" of up to 4m (13ft) above ground level is also predicted along the south coast of Jamaica, accompanied by large and destructive waves, according to the NHC.

Eastern Cuba is also in the path of Melissa, with tropical storm conditions expected to begin there on Tuesday. Total rainfall is predicted at between 10 to 15in (25 to 38cm), and perhaps 20in (51cm) in some areas.

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ABTA, which represents UK tour operators and travel agents, said it is monitoring Hurricane Melissa and "travel providers are liaising with their suppliers locally and providing advice and assistance to their customers".

In a statement to Sky News, it said: "Customers currently in Jamaica are advised to monitor local news and should follow the advice of the local authorities, their accommodation and travel providers.

"Customers who are imminently due to travel to Jamaica, should liaise with their travel provider and airline, to establish if there are any changes to their travel arrangements.

"ABTA.com has guidance available for customers if their flights or package holidays are delayed or cancelled."

Bahamas on hurricane watch

A hurricane watch is also in effect across southeastern and central Bahamas along with the British Overseas Territory, Turks and Caicos Islands.

The NHC added that those areas could experience tropical storm and hurricane conditions on Wednesday and rainfall totals of between 4 to 8in (10 to 20cm), resulting in flash flooding.

Deadly storm strikes Haiti

The slow-moving storm has killed at least three people in Haiti and a fourth person in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.

More than 750 homes have been damaged in the Dominican Republic and floodwater has cut off access to at least 48 communities, officials said.

Schools and government offices have been ordered to remain closed on Monday in four of nine provinces.

In neighbouring Haiti, the storm destroyed crops in three regions, in a country where millions of people are experiencing hunger.

'Do not gamble with Melissa'

Melissa could be the strongest hurricane Jamaica has experienced in decades, according to Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica's meteorological service.

He warned that cleanup and damage assessment would be severely delayed because of anticipated landslides, flooding and blocked roads.

"I want to urge Jamaicans to take this seriously," said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Council.

"Do not gamble with Melissa. It's not a safe bet."

(c) Sky News 2025: 'Life-threatening storm' set to strike Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa strengthens to category 5