Jamaica Braces for Hurricane Melissa: A Storm of Historic Proportions
Jamaica is bracing for a strong storm, Hurricane Melissa, which could be one of the strongest to hit the island in a long time. Forecasters say it might reach the top end of a Category 4 hurricane when it arrives on Tuesday.
The Impact of Category 4 Hurricanes
Hurricanes are a big deal in Jamaica. The last time a Category 4 storm hit the island was 37 years ago. That storm, called Hurricane Gilbert, was so strong it:
- Displaced about 500,000 people
- Caused a lot of damage
- Knocked out power and water systems
- Had winds that remained strong even after the storm passed
Since the year 2000, three other Category 4 hurricanes have come close to Jamaica:
- Hurricane Beryl (2024): Caused over $200 million in damage
- Hurricane Dean (2007): Left behind around $300 million in destruction
- Hurricane Ivan (2004): Resulted in 17 deaths and nearly $600 million in damage
Lessons from Past Storms
Even storms that aren't as strong as Category 4 can cause a lot of trouble. In 1951, Hurricane Charlie hit Jamaica and was called the "worst hurricane disaster of the century" at the time. It brought:
- Winds over 110 mph
- 17 inches of rain
- Over $50 million in damage (which would be over $620 million today)
- 152 deaths
- 25,000 residents left homeless
In 1912, a Category 3 hurricane hit the island with winds of 115 mph. The heavy rain and flash flooding caused:
- A lot of damage, especially in the northwest part of the island
- Several towns destroyed by winds and tidal waves
- At least 100 lives lost
Preparing for Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa is expected to be very strong, and Jamaica is getting ready for it. The island has seen powerful storms before, and each one teaches them more about how to prepare and stay safe.
