LATEST: CAT 5 Hurricane Melissa continues to intensify, NOAA says
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The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters have reported that Hurricane Melissa has rapidly strengthened as its northern eyewall approaches the southern coast of Jamaica, as of 9 EDT this morning.
The storm now packs maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (290 km/h), making it an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane.
At 9:00 a.m. EDT, aircraft data indicate that Melissa’s central pressure has dropped to 896 millibars, which is a sign of continued strengthening. Officials warn that landfall on Jamaica’s southern coast is expected within the next few hours.
The National Hurricane Center and Jamaican authorities are urging residents to take immediate shelter and remain indoors, and have advised that conditions will rapidly deteriorate as the eyewall moves ashore. Forecasters warn of catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surge, and torrential rainfall across much of the island.
“This is an extremely dangerous, life-threatening situation,” officials said. “Do not venture outside. Stay in your safe location until the passage of the eyewall is complete.”
NOAA will issue another update soon. This is a developing story.
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