UPDATE | Hurricane Melissa strengthens as Jamaica braces for landfall

Hurricane Melissa has again strengthened, with maximum sustained winds now at 145 miles per hour (230 km/h), up from 140 mph earlier Sunday, as Jamaica braces for a potentially catastrophic landfall within 48 hours.

In its 5 p,m. bulletin on Sunday, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica said the Category 4 hurricane is located about 185 kilometres (115 miles) south-southwest of Kingston and is moving slowly westward at 5 miles per hour (7 km/h).

The system is expected to turn north and northeast on Monday and Tuesday, placing the hurricane’s core directly over Jamaica by Tuesday.

Melissa is forecast to intensify further before landfall, with the Met Service warning of rainfall between 15 and 30 inches (350–700 mm), especially over eastern parishes and hilly terrain, leading to “catastrophic flash floods and landslides.”

“Life-threatening storm surge, accompanied by large and destructive waves, is likely along the south coast of Jamaica late Monday through Tuesday morning and could reach 9 to 13 feet above ground level,” the bulletin said.

Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to spread from the southeast to the northwest of the island Sunday night, with hurricane conditions anticipated by Monday.

Small craft operators, including fishers on the cays and banks, have been urged to remain in safe harbour until warning messages are lifted and sea conditions normalize.

The Meteorological Service said it continues to closely monitor Hurricane Melissa, with the next update scheduled for 8 p.m. Sunday.

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