Hurricane Melissa: What we know about the powerful storm approaching Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, the world’s most powerful hurricane of the year so far, is closing in on Jamaica, with forecasters warning it could have a “catastrophic” impact.

The Category 5 hurricane has reached speeds of 175mph, already making it one of the strongest ever in the Atlantic basin.

A storm of Category 4 or higher has not hit Jamaica since records began 174 years ago.

It is expected to make landfall in the coming hours, continuing towards eastern Cuba and across the southeastern or central Bahamas.

Here’s what we know so far.

How bad could it be?

“Catastrophic” flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely when the hurricane hits, according to the US National Hurricane Centre, which warned of “total structural failure”.

Parts of the Caribbean island could see rainfall of up to 40 inches and it could cause a “life-threatening” storm surge on Jamaica’s southern coast, peaking around 13ft above ground level, the US centre said.

The storm is expected to be particularly bad along the coast of Kingston, which is home to critical infrastructure, including Jamaica’s main international airport and power plants.

Live updates as hurricane approaches

Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness said he expected “major damage to our road infrastructure, bridges, drains and possibly some damage to ports and airports” and warned it would take “far more resources than Jamaica has to recover”.

There are 850 shelters across the island, he added, enough for more than 20,000 people. Jamaica has a population of roughly 2.8 million.

All of Jamaica is expected to experience hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall and flooding.

Has anyone died because of the hurricane?

Officials have said the storm is already responsible for at least seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.

The three deaths in Jamaica happened during preparations for the storm’s arrival as people were cutting trees, health minister Christopher Tufton said. Thirteen people were injured, mostly due to falling off ladders and rooftops.

He urged Jamaicans to be careful during preparations, adding they should ensure all homes are stocked with enough drinking water and non-perishable food.

On Monday evening Matthew Samuda, the environment minister, said the time to prepare for the storm was over and that “the time now is to listen to instruction”, advising the public to start using resources sparingly.

Evacuation orders issued as power outages hit

Jamaica’s government has issued mandatory evacuation orders for at least seven areas in the southeast that are designated as high risk.

As of Monday night, many people had remained in their homes, according to Jamaica’s minister for science, energy, transport and telecommunication, Daryl Vaz.

“It’s very difficult, and it has always been a problem because people basically don’t take the event as seriously as they ought to,” Mr Vaz told Sky News.

He added that evacuation numbers were still “way below” the government’s targets.

Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps adviser based near Kingston, suggested many families were sheltering in their homes due to fears rather than complacency.

“Many have never experienced anything like this before, and the uncertainty is frightening,” he said.

“There is profound fear of losing homes and livelihoods, of injury, and of displacement.”

An estimated 52,000 people lost power as the hurricane approached, mostly in the western part of the country, the Jamaica Public Service said.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, it said crews had managed to restore power for 30,000 of those affected and that they were continuing to work on the issues.

It added heavy rain and difficult terrain were “creating access challenges” and that “the safety of our crews and the public is our top priority”.

British holidaymakers locked down in hotels

Jamaica’s peak holiday season runs from mid-December to mid-April, but its tropical climate brings warmth all year round.

Hurricane season runs from June until November, but the country continues to attract tourists.

One of them is Andrew Tracey, a British holidaymaker who told Sky News he has been locked down in his hotel room until Wednesday at the earliest, having arrived on 20 October.

He also estimated there were at least 200 people from the UK staying at the same complex.

With all airports in Jamaica closed, his flight was cancelled and there was “nothing really we could do”, he said.

“If I knew that the hurricane would hit while I was out here, I wouldn’t have gone at all,” he said.

“It’s hard to comprehend what we’re about to expect. I’ve never experienced any kind of hurricane, let alone a Category 5.

“The tension in the hotel last night when we went down for dinner was definitely one of nerves, even locals.”

What route will Hurricane Melissa take?

Eastern Cuba is next in the path of Melissa, with tropical storm conditions expected to hit on Tuesday evening, including rainfall of up to 20 inches.

More than 500,000 people living in coastal and mountainous areas vulnerable to heavy winds and flooding have been evacuated, according to authorities.

Some 250,000 people were also accommodated in shelters around Santiago de Cuba, the second-largest city that lies right in the hurricane’s expected path.

A hurricane watch is in effect across the southeastern and central Bahamas, along with the British Overseas Territory, Turks and Caicos Islands.

They could be affected on Wednesday and the National Hurricane Centre expects flash floods with up to 8 inches of rainfall in tropical storm and hurricane conditions.