Hurricane Melissa on the brink of making landfall as a Category 5 storm

Hurricane Impact and Scale - Hurricane Melissa is a category 5 storm with 185 mph (approximately 298 km/h) winds, potentially the strongest to hit Jamaica [2] - The storm is slow-moving, increasing the duration of extreme winds and potential damage, comparable to an EF4 tornado [14] - The eye of the storm is approximately 14 miles (approximately 22530 meters) wide [14] - At least seven deaths have been reported across the Caribbean due to the hurricane [2][32] Affected Areas and Population - Kingston, Jamaica, a town of just under 1 million people, is expected to experience tropical storm force winds and heavy rain [4][5] - Montego Bay, a major tourist destination with a population of approximately 85,000, is likely to be impacted by the eye of the storm [1][19] - The main airport in Montego Bay is at risk of extreme damage, potentially hindering aid efforts [20] Infrastructure and Environment - Historic bridge in Kingston is completely underwater [2] - Rainfall is expected to be in the double digits, increasing the risk of flooding and making roadways impassable [6][8] - Older buildings and infrastructure are vulnerable to damage from strong winds, with reports of debris and roofing being torn off [6][7] - The mountainous terrain of Jamaica, with elevations up to 150 ft (approximately 45 meters) near the coast, increases the risk of damage [39] Preparedness and Response - The government has taken precautions to evacuate people from low-lying areas and opened emergency shelters [11] - Tourists in resort towns like Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are taking precautions, such as putting up mattresses against doors and windows [9] - More than 24,000 customers are currently without power [32]