If you’re just joining us, here’s a round-up of what we know so far about Melissa, the Category 5 hurricane threatening to devastate Jamaica.
• Melissa has picked up speed and is now moving north-northeast at 7 mph. Landfall is expected in Jamaica later this morning.
• Melissa has maintained its Category 5 status for 24 hours as it barrels towards Jamaica and Cuba, lashing the islands with heavy wind, with peak speeds of 175mph and rain. For context, two previous Category 5 hurricanes this season, Humberto and Erin, both maintained their peak strength for 12 hours or fewer.
• It has been described as “the storm of the century” by a UN agency, with a storm surge up to 13 feet (4 meters). Jamaica’s climate minister has warned of an “extreme” risk of flooding.
• A hurricane warning is also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin; Southeastern and Central Bahamas. A hurricane watch is in effect for Turks and Caicos Islands and a tropical storm warning is in effect for Haiti, the Cuban province of Las Tunas, Turks and Caicos Islands. See here for the timings.
• More than 800 shelters have opened across Jamaica, ready to house residents whose homes are affected by flooding and landslides caused by Melissa.