As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, authorities have opened more than 800 shelters across the island. However, only 133 are currently using them, according to Tannecia Stephenson, professor of climate science and deputy dean at the University of the West Indies.
– There is a certain movement of people towards these facilities – Stephenson told CNN.
– But, at the moment, the turnout is lower than expected. We hope this is because residents have already prepared their homes and feel able to withstand this storm, she added.
New Yorkers in Jamaica brace as Hurricane Melissa bears down on the island https://t.co/gNuzBZzZis pic.twitter.com/JuJdBYxpyW
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) October 28, 2025
From his office on the second floor of a concrete building, Stephenson describes the sounds of an approaching storm.
– We hear the winds, they come in gusts. Sometimes they calm down, but then the rain increases. The movement is slow, but the damage it can cause is cause for concern – added Stephenson.
She points out that the slow pace of the storm increases the risk of flooding and landslides as heavy rains continue to fall.
Although the government has unveiled recovery plans, including alternative power for water pumps and additional repair crews from Jamaica Public Service, Stephenson says residents are focused on surviving the storm.
– We have been expecting this storm for several days – said Stephenson, adding that there is some anxiety, but they are hoping for the best.
Hurricane Melissa is approaching Jamaica where a hurricane is expected to begin this morning.
A US Air Force aircraft from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as Hurricane Hunters in the Air Force Reserve, ran into Hurricane Melissa as it approached Jamaica.
विशाल टुफान मेलिसा की उप्रेन से ली गायी विडियो, अप बताई ये रेल विडियो है या AI generated?#hurricane #Jamaica #Melissa #Cyclone #hurricanemelissa #WeatherAlert #WorldNews #BreakingNews
Hurricane Melissa |pic.twitter.com/RWdVJFFiGM— Chautha Khambha (@chauthakhamba) October 28, 2025
According to the latest information from the National Hurricane Center, the maximum wind speed is 280 km/h with stronger gusts. The Category 5 hurricane is centered about 185 km west-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica and is moving north-northeast at 8 km/h.
Wind gusts in excess of 55 mph were recently reported in Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica, where conditions are worsening.
(Vijesti.ba)
