Hurricane Melissa Live Updates: Power Cuts Hit Jamaica as Storm Nears
Jamaica Battles Power Outages as Hurricane Melissa Looms Over the Caribbean
Jamaica is facing widespread power outages and heavy rainfall as Hurricane Melissa edges closer to the island, bringing with it dangerous winds, torrential rain, and the threat of flash floods. The storm, now classified as a Category 3 hurricane, continues to strengthen as it moves west-northwest across the Caribbean Sea.
According to the Jamaica Meteorological Service, Melissa’s outer bands have already reached parts of the island, causing power cuts, fallen trees, and flooding in low-lying areas. Officials have urged residents to remain indoors and stay tuned for emergency updates as the storm’s center draws nearer.
Thousands Without Power
The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) confirmed that over 150,000 customers were without power by early Tuesday morning due to downed power lines and damaged infrastructure.
“Our crews are working around the clock to restore electricity where it is safe to do so,” said JPS spokesperson Winsome Callum. “However, given the dangerous conditions, some areas may remain without service until the storm passes.”
Reports from Kingston, Montego Bay, and Portmore indicate intermittent blackouts and severe wind gusts toppling trees and power poles. Residents have taken to social media, sharing videos of flooded streets and intense rainfall pounding coastal regions.
Emergency Services on High Alert
Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has activated its national emergency response plan, coordinating shelters, medical facilities, and rescue teams.
“We are urging all Jamaicans to take this storm seriously,” said ODPEM Director-General Richard Thompson. “This is not the time to take chances. Stay home, stay informed, and stay safe.”
The Jamaican government has opened over 800 emergency shelters across the island, with the majority located in schools and community centers. By Monday night, more than 10,000 people had already sought refuge in these shelters, with numbers expected to rise as the hurricane intensifies.
Melissa’s Path and Strength
Meteorologists from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami report that Hurricane Melissa is currently packing sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h), with higher gusts recorded in certain regions.
The storm is moving at approximately 14 mph (22 km/h) and is projected to pass just south of Jamaica by late Tuesday before heading toward the Cayman Islands and western Cuba later in the week.
The NHC has issued hurricane warnings for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, with tropical storm warnings extending to Haiti and parts of eastern Cuba.
“This is a rapidly strengthening hurricane,” said Dr. Michael Brennan, director of the NHC. “We expect Melissa to maintain its intensity as it approaches Jamaica, with the potential for further strengthening before it reaches Cuba.”
Airports Closed and Flights Canceled
As the storm approaches, Jamaica’s Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay have suspended operations. Airlines including American Airlines, JetBlue, and Caribbean Airlines have canceled dozens of flights in and out of Jamaica.
Tourists stranded at hotels and resorts along the north coast are being advised to shelter in place and follow instructions from local authorities.
“We have activated all emergency protocols,” said Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “Our priority is ensuring the safety of both visitors and locals. We’re working closely with hotel operators and first responders to manage the situation.”
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Threat
Meteorologists are forecasting 8 to 12 inches of rain, with some areas potentially seeing up to 18 inches, particularly in mountainous regions. Such rainfall poses a serious flooding and landslide threat, especially in areas like St. Mary, Portland, and St. Thomas.
Residents living near rivers and coastal areas have been urged to evacuate if instructed. Authorities are also warning of storm surges up to 9 feet (3 meters) along Jamaica’s southern coastline.
Emergency teams are distributing sandbags and assisting in evacuations from flood-prone zones. Videos shared online show cars submerged in water and people wading through knee-deep floods in several parishes.
Prime Minister Urges Calm and Preparedness
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation on Monday evening, urging citizens to remain calm and prioritize safety over property.
“We have faced storms before, and we will overcome this one as well,” Holness said in a televised speech. “The government and emergency services are fully mobilized. But we need every Jamaican to do their part — stay indoors, avoid flooded areas, and listen only to official updates.”
Holness also confirmed that the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has been deployed to assist with rescue operations and maintain public order in affected areas.
Regional Impact: The Caribbean Braces Itself
While Jamaica bears the brunt of the storm today, neighboring nations are also preparing for impact.
The Cayman Islands have issued a state of emergency, with schools closed and residents stocking up on supplies. In Haiti, still recovering from recent floods and political instability, humanitarian organizations fear the worst.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential humanitarian crisis,” said Marie Claude Desrosiers, regional coordinator for the Red Cross Caribbean Office. “Heavy rains in Haiti could trigger deadly landslides and worsen already fragile living conditions.”
Cuba’s western provinces are also under hurricane alert, with government officials preparing mass evacuations in low-lying coastal communities.
International Aid and Support
International organizations are closely monitoring the situation. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and USAID have offered logistical and financial support should Jamaica require post-storm assistance.
“We are coordinating with Caribbean disaster management agencies to ensure rapid deployment of aid if necessary,” said OCHA spokesperson Ana Maria Ruiz.
Meanwhile, Caribbean airlines, shipping companies, and NGOs have suspended normal operations to focus on relief logistics.
Social Media Buzz and Global Reactions
Across social media, hashtags like #HurricaneMelissa, #JamaicaStrong, and #CaribbeanStorm are trending as users share real-time videos, satellite images, and safety tips.
Many express solidarity with Jamaica, offering prayers and well-wishes as the island endures another natural disaster in a region frequently hit by hurricanes.
International celebrities of Jamaican heritage, including Usain Bolt and Shaggy, have posted messages urging fans to stay safe and follow government advisories.
What Happens Next
According to the latest projections, Hurricane Melissa will likely continue moving northwest, maintaining hurricane strength before approaching Cuba and possibly entering the Gulf of Mexico later this week.
The storm’s path remains unpredictable, and meteorologists warn that even a slight change in direction could bring devastating consequences to Jamaica and nearby islands.
As the situation develops, newsgrover.com will continue to provide live updates on Hurricane Melissa’s progress, local response efforts, and international relief operations.
Conclusion: Jamaica Holds Strong Amid the Storm
As Hurricane Melissa lashes Jamaica with fierce winds and rain, the island stands united in resilience and preparedness. Power outages, flight cancellations, and flooding have disrupted daily life, but the spirit of community and cooperation remains unbroken.
From first responders to everyday citizens, Jamaicans are showing once again that courage and unity can withstand even the fiercest storm.
Stay tuned to newsgrover.com for continuous updates, emergency advisories, and post-storm recovery news as Hurricane Melissa continues its destructive path across the Caribbean.
