Live Updates: Hurricane Melissa Strikes Cuba With Severe Flooding After Devastating Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa has caused significant disruption across the Caribbean, making landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday. The storm’s impact was felt acutely by residents like Kwame McPherson from Kingston. He described the experience as resembling a boxing match, with multiple intense rounds of weather as the hurricane approached and passed through.
Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica
As the storm approached, strong winds and heavy rain struck Jamaica long before it made direct landfall. McPherson noted that these early conditions served as a forewarning of the devastation that was to come. The hurricane eventually intensified, delivering its most severe effects as it moved directly over the island.
Three Rounds of Devastation
The cyclical nature of Hurricane Melissa’s impact was striking. McPherson likened the storm’s progression to three distinct rounds:
- Round One: Initial winds and rain creating a foreboding atmosphere.
- Round Two: The storm’s full force hitting Jamaica with ferocity.
- Round Three: Continued winds and rain even as the storm began to leave the area.
Despite the severity of the hurricane, McPherson felt fortunate to maintain power and internet access during the storm. However, he expressed concern about the aftermath and the extent of the damage across the island, particularly in the west-central regions where the storm was most intense.
Widespread Concerns Following the Storm
As residents assess the damage, the full scale of Hurricane Melissa’s impact remains unclear. McPherson indicated that it might take days before the true effects of the hurricane become apparent. He anticipates widespread destruction and encourages others to prepare for challenging recovery efforts in the days ahead.
As Hurricane Melissa moves beyond Jamaica, attention now shifts to its effects on neighboring regions, especially Cuba, which is also facing severe flooding in the wake of the storm.
