Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica, near New Hope, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 1 p.m. ET. The storm brought with it sustained winds of 185 mph, making it one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever impact the region. The National Hurricane Center described Melissa as “extremely dangerous and life-threatening,” with expectations of heavy rainfall, damaging storm surge, and destructive winds affecting the island’s approximately 3 million residents.
Historic Strength of Hurricane Melissa
Melissa stands out as a record-breaking storm in several ways. By strengthening overnight and maintaining its intensity, Melissa has tied the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 as the most powerful hurricane to strike a landmass in the Atlantic Basin. This basin encompasses the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands.
Both hurricanes share the distinction of being the most intense storms at landfall, measured by central pressure at 892 millibars. In terms of wind speed, Melissa is now tied for the second strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, behind only Hurricane Allen, which reached 190 mph in 1980. Only Hurricane Wilma and Hurricane Gilbert have recorded lower pressures at sea.
The storm has been tracking slowly northward at 9 mph, significantly impacting Jamaica and other Caribbean islands with strong winds and heavy rain. The area affected by the storm’s most powerful winds is relatively confined, spanning approximately 20 miles across.
Challenges for Hurricane Monitoring
The intensity of Hurricane Melissa posed significant challenges for meteorological operations. A Lockheed WC-130 aircraft, specifically designed for hurricane reconnaissance and operated by the US Air Force Reserve, had to abort its mission due to heavy turbulence encountered while entering the storm’s eye. Officials stated, “During the event, the aircraft briefly experienced forces stronger than normal due to turbulence.” Although no immediate damage was reported, standard safety procedures require thorough inspections after such occurrences.
As Melissa continues on its current trajectory, it is expected to accelerate northward and northeastward, potentially impacting the eastern half of Cuba and the Bahamas before reaching Bermuda by Thursday. While the storm is anticipated to gradually weaken during this period, it will continue to pose risks to those in its path.
The implications of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and surrounding areas are likely to be severe and lasting, with substantial rainfall and wind damage expected. Emergency services and local authorities are on high alert as they prepare for the storm’s aftermath.
