Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica’s First Category 5

Living Through the Storm

A Day with Hurricane Melissa

As I’m writing this from Jamaica, the wind is howling like nothing I’ve heard before. The monster that is Hurricane Melissa — confirmed as a Category 5 storm — is bearing down on us with every forecasted element of disaster: destructive winds, torrential rain, storm surge, landslides. This is the highest possible classification on the Saffir-Simpson scale, and it is expected to make landfall in Jamaica imminently — as the strongest hurricane to ever hit our island. Here’s a first-hand perspective and a guide: what I’m doing, what I’m advising everyone else to do, and how I hope we’ll come together after the worst has passed.

Some of what is mentioned below may not be possible for everyone and that is a hard truth about living in Jamaica. What is expected to be normal for certain parts of the world may not be available or accessible to most Jamaicans. Hopefully one day…

hurricane melissa in Jamaica hitting landfall as category 5 hurricane

What’s happening right now

The storm is moving very slowly, meaning prolonged exposure.

Sustained winds are in the range of 160 mph+ (approx 257 km/h) and central pressure extremely low — all signs of a record-breaker.

Rainfall estimates across some parts of Jamaica are as high as 30–40 inches (700–1,000 mm) and storm surge of up to ~9-13 feet along vulnerable southern coasts.

The expected triple threat: high-end winds + heavy rain/flooding + storm surge + landslides. No part of the island is completely safe.

Safety Checklist: Before Hurricane Melissa Landfall

Secure your shelter
– Stay indoors, in a structurally sound building if at all possible. Avoid low-lying areas if possible, especially along the coast or river banks.
– Board up windows or tape them in an “X” pattern; lock all shutters and doors.
– Move valuables, documents and electronics off the ground floor and away from windows.

Stock up essentials
– Water: At least 1 gallon (≈3.8 L) per person per day for 3–7 days.
– Non-perishable food, manual can opener, torch/flashlight, extra batteries.
– First aid kit, medications, baby/child supplies if needed.
– Power bank for phones, portable radio (battery or hand-crank).
– Cash: ATMs may go offline.

Plan for evacuation / safe haven
– Know your parish’s designated shelter; if you’re in a flood- or landslide-prone zone, consider relocating before conditions worsen.
– If evacuation is advised by authorities (e.g., Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Jamaica), heed it without delay.
– If staying put, identify an interior room with no windows (hallway, small inner room) for the peak of the storm.

Communicate your plan
– Inform family/friends of your location and plan.
– Save important numbers: parish disaster office, police, fire, utilities.
– Charge all devices now; limit usage during the storm to preserve battery.

Prepare for utilities outage
– Expect power, internet and cell service to go out — possibly for days.
– Shut off non-essential electronics to avoid power surge damage when power returns.
– Refrigerators: Minimise opening once power is lost; freeze containers in advance if possible.

What to Do Immediately After Hurricane Melissa

Check your safety first
– Remain inside until official “all clear” is given. Winds may pick up again after the eye passage.
– Once outside, beware downed power lines, damaged roofs, fallen trees. Do not approach live wires.
– Use a torch, not candles (fire risk).

Assess and protect your home
– Photograph damage (roof, windows, walls, content) for insurance/relief claims.
– Cover broken windows/holes temporarily with tarp/sheets to prevent further damage.
– If flooding occurred, shut off the main water supply, and turn off electrical mains if standing water is present.

Be alert for secondary hazards
– Landslides: especially in hilly/mountain zones, slopes may shift after heavy rainfall.
– Storm surge/wave damage: storms of this magnitude may have reshaped coastlines or deposited debris inland.
– Contaminated water: Floodwaters may contain sewage, oil, chemicals; boil any water if infrastructure is suspect.
– Mosquitoes/malaria risk: Standing water = breeding ground; use nets/repellents.

Community and rebuilding response
– Check on neighbours — especially the elderly, children, differently-abled persons.
– Clear debris from roads to ensure access for emergency crews.
– Volunteer at local parish disaster centers if safe to do so.
– Stay patient: emergency services may take time; many communities may be cut off temporarily.

Live Satellite & Tracking: Stay updated

For real-time tracking and satellite imagery, visit the National Hurricane Center (NHC) website: www.nhc.noaa.gov – search Hurricane Melissa

Also, see the interactive storm tracker at The Weather Channel: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/video/category-5-hurricane-melissa-forecast-landfall-jamaica-tuesday

For satellite imagery, check NOAA’s CIRA/RAMMB site: https://rammb-slider.cira.colostate.edu/?satellite=GOES-East&product=Sector&storm=Melissa

Additional live satellite: https://zoom.earth/maps/satellite

For live streaming streen cam: visit “See Jamaica” on YouTube

Staying Strong & United

This is one of those moments when we as Jamaicans show our true resilience and unity. Storms like Melissa test not only our homes and infrastructure — they test our spirit. But I know we are strong. We come together. We lift one another up.

To everyone reading this: whether you’re sheltering inland or on the coastline, hold onto hope. Secure your loved ones, stay vigilant, and when the winds calm and the skies clear, we will rebuild — stronger, smarter, more prepared than ever. Our community is more than just houses and roads: it’s the people. Let’s lean on one another, share what we know or have, and carry each other through.

Our island will rebuild as always. And when we raise our heads above the wind and rain, we will walk forward with courage.

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