Hurricane Melissa is the strongest storm in the world this year. It rapidly grew into a rare Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 180 mph. Scientists say storms like this are happening more often as the climate gets warmer.

The storm’s outer bands are already hitting Jamaica with strong winds. By early afternoon, the full force of the hurricane will make landfall. This is the worst storm Jamaica has faced in over ten years. It’s also the first time a Category 5 hurricane has directly hit the island. The United Nations calls it the “storm of the century.” Because of this, officials have ordered people living in low-lying coastal areas to evacuate.

Sadly, Melissa has already caused seven deaths. Three people died in Jamaica while preparing for the storm, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. The hurricane threatens to damage Jamaica’s roads, homes, and power systems. Many communities could become isolated as a result of the storm.

This hurricane shows how dangerous powerful storms can be. Preparing early and listening to safety warnings saves lives. Jamaica and neighboring countries will need time to recover after Melissa passes.

See more at the official NOAA website: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/