KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Hurricane Melissa churns towards Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 storm, bringing with it catastrophic winds, deadly flooding, and widespread destruction. With sustained winds reaching 175 miles per hour, Melissa is now being called one of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the island, surpassing even the infamous Hurricane Gilbert of 1988.

The storm is expected to make landfall near the southern parish of Manchester, unleashing a storm surge of up to 13 feet and torrential rainfall that is expected to exceed 30 inches in many areas. Flash floods and landslides have already been reported, and emergency services are struggling to respond to the overwhelming number of calls for help. At least seven people have died across the region, including three in Jamaica during storm preparations, and thirteen others have been injured. Officials fear the death toll may rise as the full extent of the damage becomes clear.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation, warning that Hurricane Melissa’s impact could be greater than that of Hurricane Beryl earlier this year. “Hour by hour, it is becoming apparent that the impact of Hurricane Melissa will be greater than the impact of Hurricane Beryl, certainly in terms of rainfall and flooding,” Holness said. “We urge all Jamaicans to take shelter and remain indoors.”

In Cuba, authorities have evacuated over 500,000 residents from southeastern provinces in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. Schools and public transportation have been suspended, and officials are bracing for storm surge up to 11 feet and rainfall nearing 25 inches. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are also under hurricane warnings, with evacuations underway in vulnerable coastal areas. These islands are expected to experience tropical storm conditions by Wednesday, with storm surge between 4 and 6 feet and heavy rainfall.

Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center predict that Melissa will maintain its intensity as it moves northwest across the Caribbean. After Jamaica, the storm is expected to impact southeastern Cuba and the Bahamas before veering northeast toward Bermuda by Friday. While the U.S. mainland is not expected to experience a direct hit, forecasters warn of dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast later this week.

Jamaica’s government has deployed the Defence Force and opened emergency shelters across the island. Airports have been closed, and all flights have been canceled. Officials warn that some communities may be cut off for days due to flooding and infrastructure damage. Humanitarian agencies are preparing for a large-scale response, with early estimates suggesting extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, and farmland.

“This is not just a wind event,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director at the National Hurricane Center. “Be ready to ride this out for several days. The flooding will be severe and long-lasting.”