Jamaica is bracing for what is feared could become the worst storm to hit the Caribbean nation in history. Hurricane Melissa was upgraded to a category five hurricane early on Monday, and could bring devastation to much of the country wth 165 mph winds and “catastrophic” flooding. Evacuation orders have been issued across parts of its capital, Kingston, while the entire island has been deemed “threatened.” Melissa is currently about 100 miles to the south but is expected to turn north on Monday night and rake across the island, according to forecasts. She is moving slowly at just 3 mph, raising concerns about prolonged heavy rainfall. The U.S.-based National Hurricane Center says 40 inches of rain are expected, the BBC reports. There are also fears over life-threatening storm surges. “Do not venture out of your safe shelter,” the center said Monday, according to The Washington Post. “Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely today through Tuesday. Destructive winds, especially in the mountains, will begin by this evening, leading to extensive infrastructural damage, long-lasting power and communication outages, and isolated communities.” Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness told “every Jamaican to prepare, stay indoors during the storm, and comply with evacuation orders.” Minister of Local Government, Desmond McKenzie, warned, “Many of these communities will not survive the flooding,” The Guardian reports.
