Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to a Category 3, and the development of this tropical monster, which could become even more powerful, could have catastrophic consequences for Jamaica and Haiti. So far, it has brought torrential rains to the northern Caribbean. According to increasingly consistent models, it could make landfall in both countries as early as Monday or Tuesday, when it could have reached (at least) a Category 4 strength: that would be devastating.
For days, meteorologists have been sounding the alarm: "I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously," said Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, "and take all necessary measures to protect yourselves."
The center of Melissa was located about 200 km (125 mi) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 455 km (280 mi) west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, late yesterday evening. Winds were gusting to 185 km (115 mph).
More than 650 shelters have been activated in Jamaica. The hurricane center predicts Melissa will bring heavy rains. It could then move towards Cuba by mid-week. However, its evolution cannot be predicted precisely at this time.
(Unioneonline)
