Hurricane Melissa is expected to hit Jamaica on Tuesday, bringing powerful winds and heavy rain. US meteorologists have warned that the storm could cause “catastrophic and life-threatening winds, flooding, and storm surge.”

Melissa’s wind speeds have reached 175 mph (282 km/h), making it a Category 5 hurricane — the highest level on the scale. It has already claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Torrential Rains and Flooding Threat

Experts fear Melissa’s slow movement will make the situation worse. The storm is expected to stay longer over affected areas, pouring torrential rain and raising the risk of deadly flooding and landslides.

The US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Melissa is currently the world’s strongest storm of the year. This ranking is based on its maximum wind speeds and low central pressure.

In its latest advisory released at 18:00 GMT on Monday, the NHC warned that “catastrophic and life-threatening winds, flooding, and storm surge” will hit Jamaica “tonight and early Tuesday.”

NHC deputy director Jamie Rhome cautioned, “This extreme rainfall potential, owing to the slow motion, is going to create a catastrophic event here for Jamaica.”

According to the NHC, Jamaica could receive up to 40 inches of rain over the next four days.

Government Orders Evacuations

Jamaican President Andrew Holness has ordered immediate evacuations across the island. He urged citizens to prepare for the storm and follow all safety instructions.

In a post on X, Holness wrote, “I urge every Jamaican to prepare, stay indoors during the storm, and comply with evacuation orders.” He added, “We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger.”

Residents Show Mixed Reactions

Melissa could become the worst hurricane Jamaica has ever recorded. Yet, some residents are hesitant to leave their homes despite warnings and evacuation orders.

Authorities continue to urge cooperation from the island’s 2.8 million residents. However, many locals have decided to stay put, even as strong winds and heavy rain begin to lash the coast.

“Jamaicans on the whole aren’t the type of people who would just get up and leave their home,” said Jamal Peters, a 34-year-old hotel front manager from Port Royal. “They’d prefer to stay. And if a window blows out or something like that they can be there.”

A Nation Braces for Impact

With the storm approaching, Jamaica faces one of its biggest weather challenges in years. Officials have placed emergency teams on alert, while shelters are being prepared for evacuees.

Meteorologists say the coming hours will be critical, as Melissa’s full strength bears down on the Caribbean nation.