"At the time of writing (10.30am GMT, Wednesday 29 October), the whole of Jamaica has been declared a "disaster area" category five hurricane winds reaching 185mph. Category five storms are the most powerful and severe on the hurricane scale and cause unprecedented damage. Hurricane Melissa is noticeably slow - averaging between two and five miles per hour (hurricanes typically move at 11 to 12 miles per hour), according to - meaning the damage caused by wind and rain has the potential to be more severe and last longer."
"The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office notes, "Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica. There are estimates for up to 1000 millimetres of rain, storm surges around coastal areas bringing waves of up to 4 metres, and winds of up to 170 miles per hour. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely, with severe damage to infrastructure expected." Locals have been warned to avoid floodwaters wherever possible due to the risk of displaced crocodiles."
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in the early hours of Tuesday 28 October, prompting a nationwide disaster declaration with winds reported up to 185 mph. The storm is unusually slow, moving between two and five miles per hour, increasing the potential for prolonged wind and rainfall impacts. Official estimates foresee up to 1,000 millimetres of rain, storm surges up to four metres, and winds reaching 170 mph, raising risks of catastrophic flash floods, landslides, and severe infrastructure damage. Locals were warned to avoid floodwaters due to displaced crocodiles, and airports were expected to remain closed until at least 30 October.
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