The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a warning regarding the potential for extreme wind gusts across Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa approaches. According to the NHC, winds on the windward side of hills and mountains in Jamaica could be 30% stronger than the reported surface winds.
Currently, Hurricane Melissa is producing wind gusts as high as 215 mph at the surface. With the anticipated increase, wind gusts could exceed 250 mph in elevated areas, reaching up to 279.5 mph. These conditions are expected to persist for several hours, raising concerns about significant damage and devastation comparable to that of a high-end tornado.
For further information on the hurricane"s impact, see recent developments regarding Hurricane Melissa"s landfall in Jamaica.
