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| Ground zero for Hurricane Melissa was New Hope and Black River (above) in the southwestern part of Jamaica. Significant damage was reported with many structures failing in the 185mph winds. (Black River Fire Brigade) |
The island nation of Jamaica has declared a state of emergency after powerful category 5 Hurricane Melissa swept across the country on Tuesday. Melissa was the strongest storm in modern times to strike Jamaica, with landfall near New Hope at 1pm Tuesday. At landfall, Melissa was the third strongest hurricane on record in the Atlantic Basin, with winds of 295km/h (185 mph), and a barometric pressure of 892mb. Only Wilma in 2005 and Gilbert in 1988 were stronger.
Melissa slashed across the country with fierce winds and torrential rainfall. Communications were brought down, along with trees and power lines. Many structures failed in the relentless winds. Major flooding has been reported across the country, as Melissa dumped between 350 and 750mm of rain.
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| Hurricane Melissa at 1pm Tuesday afternoon, making landfall near New Hope in southwestern Jamaica. (NOAA) |
In Black River and New Hope near where landfall occurred, homes were shredded along with a hospital and police station. Debirs lines the streets, with many roofs torn from homes. The storm produced significant damage at Sangster International Airport near Montego Bay, where video showed flooding and roof failure.
The full extent of the damage has yet to be determined as many parts of the country are completely isolated due to significant flooding and blocked roads. The death toll stands at 7 across the Caribbean, with three reported in Jamaica.
Melissa remains a dangerous hurricane Wednesday morning, bringing strong winds and flooding rains to eastern Cuba. The storm was located 70km northwest of Guantanamo Bay, with 165km/h winds (105 mph) and a central pressure of 968mb. The good news is the storm had been downgraded to a category three, but remains a major hurricane. The forward speed has increased to 22km/h. Hurricane conditions will spread into the Bahamas on Wednesday before Melissa heads for Bermuda.
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| Canadian Hurricane Centre forecast track showing Melissa coming close to Newfoundland on Saturday. (CHC) |
By Saturday, Melissa will be in Canadian waters, undergoing extra tropical transfomation southeast of Newfoundland. Heavy surf, strong gusty winds and even some rainfall may be possible for southeastern Newfoundland and the Avalon Peninsula as the storm begins to expand in size into an extratropical cyclone. Details to follow in future posts.
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