Melissa has made landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph and an estimated minimum central pressure of 892 mb (26.34 inches). This makes it one of the strongest landfalling hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin. This ties the Labor Day hurricane of 1935 with a landfalling pressure of 892 mb.
Hurricane Melissa is moving north-northeast at about 9 mph and is expected to turn northeast later today, increasing its forward speed through Wednesday and Thursday.
The storm’s core is forecast to pass over Jamaica today, cross southeastern Cuba Wednesday morning, and move across the southeastern or central Bahamas later Wednesday.
Data from the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters show maximum sustained winds near 185 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Minimum central pressure is 892 mb.
Some intensity fluctuations are possible before Melissa makes landfall on Jamaica later Tuesday. However, it is expected to remain an extremely dangerous major hurricane as it impacts Jamaica and southeastern Cuba.
Melissa will still maintain hurricane strength as it moves across the southeastern Bahamas.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach outward up to 195 miles.
Hurricane Melissa is the third Category 5 storm this hurricane season. There have not been that many Category 5 storms in one season since 2005.