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American meteorologist Noah Bergren, chief of nighttime forecasts at FOX 35 Orlando, issued a concerning warning about the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which is intensifying as it approaches Jamaica and could become the first category 5 cyclone to hit the island.
"My worst fear is coming true. This will be a historic and deadly hurricane for Jamaica. One of the worst natural disasters in recent times," wrote Bergren on his X account, where he has amassed thousands of followers for his accurate weather analyses.
The expert, a graduate of Penn State University and with experience in Paducah (Kentucky), warned that "Melissa is going to challenge the mathematical intensity limit on Monday."
The hurricane could reach sustained winds exceeding 170 miles per hour (over 270 km/h), with gusts surpassing 200 mph (320 km/h). It already shows a perfectly defined eye in satellite images, an unmistakable sign of extreme strengthening.
"It will be the first category 5 hurricane in history to hit Jamaica. The only thing that limits its intensity is itself," he stated.
Bergren recalled that the highest sustained wind speed record in the Atlantic is held by Hurricane Allen (1980), with 190 miles per hour. However, he warned that Melissa could challenge that historical record.
The specialist emphasized the human impact of the phenomenon: "There are real people on the other side of this. It's not just about meteorology. Lives, businesses, schools... everything will be severely affected. Jamaica will need all the humanitarian assistance possible after this."
Jamaican authorities have issued evacuation alerts in coastal areas as the population prepares for what experts describe as a potentially catastrophic storm.
Once Melissa passes through Jamaica, it is expected to reorganize and continue its strong advance toward Cuba. The eastern provinces remain under Cyclonic Alert. Authorities have begun evacuating residents in coastal areas and those near rivers.
Flooding and landslides have already begun to be reported since Friday following the first rains. The main concern is not only the resilience of buildings but also the lack of food and the limited information many people have about this weather phenomenon, as the continuous power outages in the country keep them disconnected.
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