Overview
- Melissa made landfall near New Hope at 1 p.m. ET with 185 mph winds and 892 mb pressure, tying the 1935 Labor Day hurricane for strongest recorded landfall, according to the NHC.
- Forecasters expect 15–30 inches of rain with local totals up to 40 inches and dangerous storm surge on the south coast that could reach about 13 feet above normal high tide.
- SERHA warned residents in Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas that rising rivers, gullies and swamps may push crocodiles into communities and urged people to avoid floodwaters and keep children and pets away.
- NEPA notes the American crocodile is Jamaica’s only crocodile species and is protected by law, advising the public not to interact with displaced animals and to report sightings to (876) 754-7540.
- Some wildlife attractions that house crocodiles, including Jamaica Swamp Safari in Falmouth, have closed until further notice during the storm.