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Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa closes in on Jamaica

SUMMARY

Hurricane Melissa remained a Category 4 storm on Sunday, approaching Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. It is forecasted to cause “catastrophic” flash flooding and landslides upon landfall on Tuesday.

Melissa may strengthen to a Category 5 but will still threaten severe destruction. The storm is expected to deliver 15 to 30 inches of rain and life-threatening storm surge on Jamaica’s south coast, with heights reaching 9 to 13 feet.

The storm has already claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Local residents are preparing, with hotels and zoos taking precautions to safeguard property and animals.


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