KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Monday, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government, Desmond McKenzie, warned that “many of these communities will not survive this flooding.” The storm, located south-southeast of Kingston, is advancing slowly and expected to make landfall Tuesday morning.
Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicate rainfall totals of 15–30 inches (38–76 cm) across Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with some local areas potentially receiving up to 40 inches. Storm surges up to 13 feet (4 m) and sustained winds estimated at up to 145 mph (233 km/h) have been projected. Nearly 3 million people are on the island.
Authorities have opened more than 800 shelters, and emergency evacuation orders cover seven critical communities including the vulnerable area of Port Royal in Kingston. International airports have been closed, and both residents and tourists are urged to secure property and avoid coastal zones.
Jamaica’s infrastructure, economy, and communities are all vulnerable to the multi-day assault of this slow-moving storm. With heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding expected, the risk extends from property loss to food and supply chain disruptions, especially affecting low-lying regions, fishermen, tourist zones and islanders trying to shelter in place.
The timing and track of the hurricane will significantly affect impact zones, including flooding and infrastructure damage. The response from aid agencies and local governments will focus on sheltering and recovery, with economic repercussions for Jamaica’s tourism, fishing, and agriculture, as well as effects on nearby regions like Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
