As Hurricane Melissa drifts through the western Caribbean, Jamaica once again finds itself on edge — steady but alert, faithful but cautious.
What began as a slow tropical disturbance has now strengthened into a full hurricane, moving at barely one mile per hour. Meteorologists warn of torrential rains, flash flooding, and landslides, but the island meets this threat with what it knows best — preparation and prayer.
A Slow-Moving Threat
Melissa’s sluggish pace has made her dangerous. Since emerging earlier in the week, the storm has hovered over warm seas, gathering moisture and strength. By October 25, Jamaica’s Meteorological Service upgraded warnings as Melissa reached hurricane strength.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) projects rainfall totals of 15 to 25 inches across much of the island, with up to 35 inches in isolated pockets. In coastal zones, especially along the south and east, storm surges could reach 10 to 11 feet if Melissa drifts closer to shore.
What makes this storm so …
