Hurricane Melissa Live: Drone Images Reveal Devastation as 77% of Jamaica Left Without Power and Dozens Dead in Haiti
Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, killing dozens and crippling infrastructure across multiple nations. In Haiti, at least 25 people have been confirmed dead after a river burst its banks, flooding several communities. In Jamaica, the storm struck with fierce winds and torrential rain, leaving 77% of the island without power and causing widespread damage to homes and public utilities. By Wednesday morning, Melissa had moved across Cuba, though the full extent of the damage throughout the region is still emerging. Drone images show flattened buildings, uprooted trees, and entire neighborhoods submerged under water. Climate Change and Hurricane Severity Experts say climate change is making hurricanes more destructive, fueling both their strength and speed of intensification. Storm Surges One of the most devastating impacts comes from storm surges — sudden rises in sea level driven by high winds and pressure changes. As global sea levels rise, these surges are becoming more severe, causing catastrophic flooding similar to what occurred during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Rapid Intensification Scientists have also documented a growing trend of rapid intensification, when sustained winds increase by at least 35 mph within 24 hours. Hurricane Melissa’s transformation from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just one day is a striking example. This phenomenon is driven by warmer ocean temperatures and greater atmospheric moisture, both fueled by global warming. A 2023 study found that Atlantic tropical cyclones were 29% more likely to undergo rapid intensification between 2001 and 2020 than in previous decades. With storms like Melissa setting new benchmarks for intensity, some researchers are calling for the introduction of a Category 6 classification to reflect the growing power of modern hurricanes.
