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Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope on Jamaica’s southwestern coast on Wednesday as a Category 5 storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, according to a special update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The powerful hurricane has unleashed torrential rain, destructive winds, and severe coastal flooding across nearly all parts of the island, leaving widespread damage in several populated areas. According to a combination of NOAA’s SLOSH model and a wind-wave model, a broad area near Black River in St. Elizabeth Parish could experience storm surge inundation of six feet or more above normally dry ground. Videos shared on social media show the roof collapsing at Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, with reports of significant structural damage to the facility. Other clips capture powerful winds creating extremely dangerous conditions throughout the parish. For Live Updates On Hurricane Melissa: Hurricane Melissa Live Tracker: 'Storm of the Century' Makes Landfall in Jamaica with 185 mph Wind Speed Another alarming video footage has also captured the massive eye of Hurricane Melissa barreling toward Jamaica, underscoring the unprecedented power and scope of this historic storm. Melissa’s landfall marks a historic event: the storm is tied with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the Labor Day Hurricane (1935) as the strongest landfalling hurricane on record in the Atlantic Basin, based on wind speed. It is also the strongest hurricane ever to strike Jamaica, surpassing Hurricane Gilbert (1988), which was a Category 3 storm that killed 45 people and destroyed roughly a fifth of the island’s buildings.
