Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica

Hurricane Impact & Landfall - Hurricane made landfall near Jamaica, specifically in New Hope [1] - New Hope is in the eye of the storm, emphasizing the importance of evacuation due to potentially uninhabitable conditions [1] - Official landfall occurred in New Hope, Jamaica, which is where the eye is currently located [2] - Areas to the west of New Hope include Black River fishing village (population approximately 4,000), Crawford, and White House, Jamaica [2] Storm Intensity & Historical Context - The storm is tied for the strongest ever recorded for winds, equaling Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas a couple of years ago [4] - The storm's pressure also ties with a 1935 hurricane in the Florida Keys, making it a historically significant event [4] Post-Eye Passage & Future Impact - After the eye passes, the backside of the storm will impact the area [3] - Montego Bay is the next area to the north that needs close monitoring [4]