Hurricane Melissa Barrels Towards Jamaica as 'Hurricane Hunters' Face Turbulence
Hurricane Melissa, a powerful storm with near-record-breaking winds, is set to hit Jamaica on Tuesday. The 'Hurricane Hunters' have been investigating the storm, but encountered severe turbulence that forced them to leave early.
Melissa, with a well-defined 10 nautical mile wide eye, is packing winds of 185 mph and moving at 9 mph towards Jamaica. The U.S. Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, the 'Hurricane Hunters,' flew into the eye of the storm multiple times on Monday, sharing video footage despite facing heavier than normal turbulence on Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, the severe conditions forced them to turn back and return to their operating location in Curacao for a safety inspection.
The storm is expected to bring catastrophic winds, rain, flooding, and storm surge to Jamaica, potentially becoming the worst storm in the island's history. After hitting Jamaica, Melissa is forecast to cross eastern Cuba on Tuesday night or early Wednesday, and then move near or over the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos on Wednesday, before possibly reaching the vicinity of Bermuda on Thursday night.
Hurricane Melissa's path and strength pose significant threats to the Caribbean. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica, keeping a close eye on the storm's progress. Residents in affected areas are urged to take all necessary precautions.
