Storm tracker video captures Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica this morning
Storm tracker video captures Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica this morning
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If you're just joining us, here's a roundup of what we know so far about Melissa, the Category 5 hurricane threatening to devastate Jamaica.
• Melissa has gained speed and is now moving north-northeast at 7 mph. It is expected to make landfall in Jamaica later this morning.
• The Melissa maintained Category 5 status for 24 hours as it raced toward Jamaica and Cuba, battering the islands with winds of up to 175 mph and rain. For context, the season's two previous Category 5 hurricanes, Humberto and Irene, both maintained peak intensity for 12 hours or less.
• United Nations agencies described it as the “storm of the century” with a storm surge of 13 feet (4 meters). Jamaica's climate minister has warned of “extreme” flood risks.
• A hurricane warning is also in effect for the provinces of Granma de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and Holguin; the southeastern and central Bahamas. A hurricane watch has been activated for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and a tropical storm warning has been issued for Haiti, the Cuban province of Las Tunas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. See here for timings.
• More than 800 shelters have been opened across Jamaica, ready to house residents affected by flooding and landslides caused by Melissa.