"Category 4 Hurricane Melissa nears Jamaica with increasing strength"

Hurricane Melissa Intensifies to Category 4, Posing Severe Threat to Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa escalated to a powerful Category 4 storm on Sunday, bringing the potential for devastating winds and heavy rainfall across the northern Caribbean. Despite warnings, some residents in high-risk areas of Jamaica opted not to evacuate.

Authorities in Jamaica advised those in flood-prone regions to move to one of the more than 650 shelters set up across the island. The storm rapidly intensified on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with forecasts suggesting it could reach Category 5 strength by Sunday night.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the seriousness of the situation: "I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously. Take all measures to protect yourself."

As of Sunday morning, Melissa was located approximately 120 miles south-southeast of Kingston and 280 miles south-southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. Maximum sustained winds reached 140 mph, with the storm moving west at 5 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Forecasters warned of torrential rainfall, with Jamaica and southern Hispaniola—encompassing Haiti and the Dominican Republic—potentially receiving up to 760mm (30 inches). Some areas could see as much as 1,010mm.

Experts cautioned that the storm's rapid strengthening and slow progression could result in a catastrophic event. The hurricane center's updates indicated likely widespread infrastructure damage, power and communication failures, and isolated communities in Jamaica.

Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport suspended operations on Saturday. Officials confirmed that warehouses across the island had been stocked with food supplies for rapid distribution if necessary.

However, some residents in Port Royal, a vulnerable fishing community, disregarded evacuation orders. On Wednesday, local government minister Desmond McKenzie expressed concern over the area, urging residents to follow relocation advice and use transportation and shelters provided.

Ann Marie Chamberlain, 51, chose to remain at home, expressing confidence in her preparations. "We know danger, and right now we are not in danger," she said. "We have secured our boats, reinforced our roofs, and taken necessary precautions."

She also cited a past experience with shelters as a reason for staying: "Twenty-one years ago, we went to a shelter, but safety was compromised. People stole our belongings, and it was unsafe for women. We won’t repeat that."