Hurricane Melissa: Quick Ways to Stock Up Before It Hits
Hurricane Melissa has hit Jamaica with full force as a dangerous Category 5 storm. Winds are reaching 185 mph (298 km/h), tearing through homes and knocking out power across the island. The storm is crawling toward Cuba and the Bahamas, leaving flooding and destruction behind. People in its path must act fast. Here’s how to prepare—and why every minute matters.
Massive Destruction in Jamaica
Jamaica is reeling from Hurricane Melissa’s power. Coastal towns lie underwater as waves rise up to 13 feet along the southern coast. In Kingston and nearby parishes, roofs have torn off and streets are blocked by fallen trees. Floods have washed away bridges, cutting off communities from help.
Emergency workers are struggling to reach rural areas, and shelters are overflowing. More than tens of thousands of homes are badly damaged. Many areas remain without electricity or communication. The scale of destruction rivals that of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. Officials call it one of the worst natural disasters in Jamaica’s modern history.
The Dangers Ahead
As Hurricane Melissa crawls north, danger continues to grow.
- Storm Surge: Coastal zones face deadly water levels between 9 and 13 feet.
- Flooding: Mountainous regions could see 40 inches of rain, causing landslides and mudslides.
- Infrastructure Damage: Power and water lines are down; full repairs could take weeks.
- Health Risks: Standing water breeds disease, raising threats like cholera and dengue.
- Economic Hit: Crops and tourism will suffer, pushing recovery costs higher.
People should stay off flooded roads, move to higher ground, and follow official warnings. Quick action can save lives.
Hurricanes That Went Wild in the Caribbean
The Caribbean has faced many violent storms, and Hurricane Melissa now joins that list.
- Hurricane Gilbert (1988): One of the most powerful storms of its time, it left over 300 dead.
- Hurricane Ivan (2004): Another Category 5 system that battered Jamaica and Grenada.
- Hurricane Dean (2007): Brought heavy winds and severe flooding across the region.
- Hurricane Matthew (2016): Struck Haiti, leaving more than 500 people dead.
- Hurricane Dorian (2019): Flattened parts of the Bahamas with winds of 185 mph—the same strength Melissa has reached today.
These past storms show how the Caribbean’s warm seas often fuel intense hurricanes. Melissa’s rapid growth in just 72 hours is a reminder of how climate change is making storms stronger and more unpredictable.
Quick Ways to Stock Up and Stay Safe
You can still prepare if the storm hasn’t reached your area.
- Water and Food: Keep at least a three-day supply per person.
- Medical Items: Pack medicine, first-aid supplies, and hygiene products in waterproof bags.
- Fuel and Cash: Fill up vehicles and withdraw some money in advance.
- Power Backup: Charge phones, power banks, and flashlights fully.
- Evacuation Kit: Carry IDs, documents, spare clothes, and emergency numbers.
Add plastic sheeting, duct tape, and garbage bags—they can be useful in emergencies.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Hurricane Melissa is more than a single disaster; it’s a signal of what’s coming. The storm intensified from a mild depression to a Category 5 giant in under three days. Warmer oceans are driving such rapid changes more often. Shorter, stronger, and slower-moving hurricanes cause longer-lasting damage.
Communities that prepare early are the ones that recover faster. Keep listening to local alerts, follow evacuation plans, and help neighbors when possible. Together, people can face Hurricane Melissa safely and rebuild stronger afterward.
Source: National Hurricane center
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