Jamaica is bracing for what could be one of its strongest landfalling storms on record, as Hurricane Melissa barrels through the Caribbean and is forecast to strike Tuesday as an upper-end Category 4. The island has recorded only one Category 4 landfall — 1988’s “Wild Gilbert,” which displaced about 500,000 people and killed 45. Forecasters say Melissa’s winds could reach the top of Category 4, echoing past close calls from Beryl (2024), Dean (2007), Ivan (2004) and Allen (1980). Earlier disasters — Charlie in 1951 and a 1912 storm — underline the deadly risks.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.