Hurricane Melissa Becomes Category 4, Threatens Jamaica and Hispaniola

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm, posing a severe threat to the northern Caribbean, particularly Jamaica and Hispaniola. With sustained winds reaching 75 mph, the hurricane is expected to bring catastrophic flooding and landslides, prompting urgent warnings from officials.

The storm has already claimed lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with extensive damage reported, including the destruction of homes and disruption of water supplies for over half a million residents. Jamaican authorities have activated more than 650 shelters in anticipation of potential rainfalls of up to 30 inches.

As river levels rise and communities brace for impact, the National Hurricane Center highlights the looming danger of life-threatening conditions. With preparations underway, many residents face difficult decisions about evacuation and safety, reflecting past experiences with storms in vulnerable areas.

The situation remains critical as Hurricane Melissa continues its course toward landfall, threatening to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis.