"The Category 5 storm, which threatens to dump up to one metre (three feet) of rain, is moving at a worryingly slow pace. People in Jamaica have been urged to take shelter as Hurricane Melissa continues to strengthen offshore, with heavy rains and tropical storm-strength winds already hitting parts of the island. The hurricane, which has intensified to a Category 5 storm, was about 160km (100 miles) south of Jamaica on Monday and on course to hit the western flanks of the island early Tuesday."
"Category 5 is the highest on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with sustained winds exceeding 250km/h (157mph). Up to about one metre (40 inches) of rainfall could hit parts of Jamaica as the storm passes directly over the island, threatening flash flooding and landslides. I don't want to encourage fear or worry, but I do expect you to become concerned about what is taking place, Thompson said."
Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 5 storm and was about 160km south of Jamaica, heading toward the western flanks early Tuesday. The storm is moving slowly at 7km/h, which increases risk of prolonged heavy rainfall, landslides and storm surge. Officials urged people in Jamaica to take shelter as heavy rains and tropical storm-strength winds already impact parts of the island. The projected path targets southwestern Jamaica, affecting eastern Westmoreland or extreme western Saint Elizabeth, then trending northeast and exiting along Saint Anne Parish. Sustained winds exceed 250km/h and up to one metre of rain could cause flash flooding.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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