Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a catastrophic Category 5 storm, packing sustained winds of 160 mph as it barrels toward Jamaica. The hurricane is being described as the most powerful system to threaten the island since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned that Melissa could strengthen even further before landfall, bringing 40 inches of rain, life-threatening storm surges, and devastating floods and landslides. Authorities have issued mass evacuation orders, with emergency shelters across the island reaching capacity.
Be the first to comment