#EyeOnMelissa: Major Hurricane Melissa slows offshore
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Category 4 Hurricane Melissa has once again slowed its pace as it continues on its track toward Jamaica where a hurricane warning remains in effect for the country.
According to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), at 10:00 am, the centre of Hurricane Melissa was located near latitude 16.4 degrees north, longitude 76.6 degrees west. This is 172 kilometres (108 miles) south-south west of Morant Point, or 180 kilometres (110) south of Kingston, Jamaica.
Melissa slowed to near three miles per hour as it continued on its westward track while south of the island. Early Sunday, Melissa had been moving at a pace of five miles per hour. It is anticipated to turn up north and northeast on Monday and Tuesday. On the forecast track, the centre of Melissa is expected to move closer to Jamaica and over the island through Tuesday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 220 km/h (140 mph), with higher gusts. Additional intensification is forecast over the next day or so, followed by fluctuations in intensity. Melissa is expected to be a powerful major hurricane when making landfall in Jamaica Monday night or Tuesday morning.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 km (25 miles) from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 280 km (175 miles).
Hurricane Melissa is expected to produce rainfall amounts reaching 350-700 mm (15-30 inches) over parts of Jamaica in the next few days, especially over eastern parishes, with higher amounts over hilly terrain. Life-threatening flash floods and landslides are likely.
As the hurricane moves closer, tropical storm-force winds are expected to spread from southeastern sections of Jamaica Sunday morning to the northwest. Hurricane conditions are expected by Monday.
Life-threatening storm surge, accompanied by large and destructive waves, is likely along the south coast of Jamaica late Monday through Tuesday morning and could reach nine to 13 feet above ground level, near and to the east of where the centre of Melissa makes landfall.
Small craft operators, including fishers on the cays and banks, are strongly advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.
