Record-Breaking Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Threatens Car…

Hurricane Melissa made devastating history this week as the strongest storm to strike Jamaica in 174 years of recorded weather data. The Category 5 monster slammed into the island nation Tuesday with catastrophic 185 mph winds and record-low atmospheric pressure, matching intensity records set by only two other Atlantic hurricanes since 1935.

The unprecedented storm has left Jamaica in crisis, with widespread power outages, uprooted trees, and torn-off rooftops scattered across the landscape. Dangerous landslides and severe flooding have made travel nearly impossible, prompting the U.S. National Hurricane Center to warn residents that conditions remain “extremely dangerous” and to stay sheltered until the life-threatening weather passes.

Melissa’s destructive path is far from over. The hurricane is barreling toward Cuba and the Bahamas, where it’s expected to bring similarly catastrophic conditions through Wednesday. Cuban authorities are taking no chances, evacuating more than 600,000 residents from vulnerable areas. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for catastrophic flash flooding and deadly landslides across Cuba and Hispaniola, the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Relief organizations are already mobilizing for what could be one of the Caribbean’s worst natural disasters in decades. United Nations agencies and dozens of nonprofits have pre-positioned emergency supplies including food, medicine, and other essentials, preparing for a massive humanitarian response once Melissa passes and rescue operations can safely begin.