By ARIEL FERNÁNDEZ, ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ and JOHN MYERS JR. Associated Press
Communities across the northern Caribbean are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. In Jamaica, emergency relief efforts are underway as residents clear roads and assess damage. The storm has left many without homes, power or communication. Authorities have confirmed at least four deaths, and thousands remain in shelters. In Cuba, heavy equipment is clearing roads and the military is assisting isolated communities. No deaths have been reported there but significant damage has occurred. In Haiti, dozens were dead or missing after catastrophic flooding. The storm tied records for Atlantic hurricanes making landfall when it hit Jamaica.
By ARIEL FERNÁNDEZ, ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ, JOHN MYERS JR. and EVENS SANON Associated Press
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica. The storm made landfall Tuesday in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, with winds reaching 185 miles per hour. Officials say at least 23 people have died across Haiti. In Cuba, officials report collapsed houses and blocked roads, with 735,000 people in shelters. Jamaica faces widespread power outages and communication blackouts. The U.S. is sending rescue teams to assist. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warns of significant damage, urging people not to underestimate the storm's power.
By JOHN MYERS JR. and DÁNICA COTO Associated Press
Updated
Hurricane Melissa has hit southwestern Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, causing heavy flooding and wind damage. Melissa made landfall Tuesday in southwestern Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph. Officials warned of devastating damage and urged residents to seek shelter as the hurricane crossed the island. Melissa's winds tied records for the strongest Atlantic storm on landfall. The storm is expected to move toward Cuba, where authorities prepared for evacuations. The hurricane has already caused seven deaths in the Caribbean. Relief preparations are underway, with supplies and emergency services ready to assist.
By DÁNICA COTO, JOHN MYERS JR. and EVENS SANON Associated Press
Tropical Storm Melissa is nearly stationary in the central Caribbean, with forecasters warning it could soon strengthen and brush past Jamaica as a powerful hurricane. Catastrophic flooding and landslides are likely in southern Haiti in the coming days. U.S. forecasters said the storm's slow movement will mean days of exposure to heavy rain and strong winds, which will worsen flooding and other dangers. Melissa had 60 mph winds early Friday. It could strengthen into a hurricane Saturday and a major hurricane later in the weekend. Authorities were opening shelters and making other preparations in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Forecasters say Tropical Storm Rafael has formed in the Caribbean and will bring heavy rain to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands before strengthening to a hurricane and likely hitting Cuba. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Jamaica and a hurricane watch was in effect for the Cayman Islands and for parts of Cuba. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says that later in the week it also is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Florida and portions of the U.S. Southeast. The storm was expected to move near Jamaica by late Monday. The forecast shows the storm could become a hurricane on Tuesday en route to Cuba.
By JOHN MYERS JR. and RENLOY TRAIL Associated Press
Hurricane Beryl is roaring by Jamaica as islanders scramble to make preparations after the powerful Category 4 storm earlier killed at least six people and caused significant damage in the southeast Caribbean. People in Kingston boarded up windows and fishermen pulled their boats out of the water. Workers dismantled roadside advertising boards to protect them from the lashing winds. A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Beryl is forecast to weaken slightly over the next day or two but still be at or near major-hurricane strength when it passes near or over Jamaica on Wednesday.
By DÁNICA COTO and AMAR SPENCER-SAYERS Associated Press
Hurricane Beryl is roaring across the Caribbean Sea as a powerful Category 4 storm on a path toward Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. At least six people have died after Beryl slammed the southeast Caribbean. A hurricane warning was in effect for Jamaica and a hurricane watch for Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Beryl is expected to start losing intensity but still to be near major hurricane strength as it passes near or over Jamaica, near the Cayman Islands and into Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Beryl is the earliest Category 5 storm ever to form in the Atlantic, fueled by record warm waters.
