Hurricane Melissa Strengthens Near Jamaica, Cuba
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Tropical storm Melissa Brings Historic Rainfall and Flooding to Jamaica and Cuba
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Jamaica and parts of Cuba are bracing for unprecedented rainfall and widespread flooding as Tropical Storm Melissa moves across the Caribbean. The storm has already caused critically important disruption, including airport closures and evacuations, with authorities warning of possibly catastrophic conditions.
Situation in Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica, is facing an extremely risky flooding situation.Officials report that no community within the city is immune to the rising waters. The scale of the potential flooding is described as unprecedented, with rainfall totals exceeding historical records.
Both Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston and Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay were closed on November 2,2023,due to the storm. RTÉ News Evacuation orders were issued, but some residents have refused to leave their homes.
Douglas Butler, a local boat captain in Port Royal, expressed his intention to stay, stating, “We are riding out the storm, we’re not going to go anywhere. Just sitting down and watch everything, make sure everything’s working good.” He added that having food was his primary concern. RTÉ News
Rainfall Projections and Impact
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Melissa will bring 40 to 80 centimeters (approximately 16 to 31 inches) of rain to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 1 meter (approximately 39 inches). National Hurricane Center Eastern Cuba is expected to receive 25 to 40 centimeters (approximately 10 to 16 inches) of rain, with localized amounts reaching up to 50 centimeters (approximately 20 inches).
Dana morris Dixon, Jamaica’s facts minister, stated that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is prepared to offer assistance, and several international partners have pledged support. RTÉ News She emphasized the unprecedented nature of the predicted rainfall, saying, “