Hurricane Melissa grows to Cat 5 as it approaches Jamaica

Source: NOAA

Jamaica is bracing for the landfall of a category 5 hurricane, which is expected to hit the island nation tonight or early tomorrow. Airports have closed on the island, according to media reports. The port of Kingston has made no public announcements, but is also expected to close. About seven containerships, two car-carriers and a general-cargo ship are due at the port over the next two to three days, according to VesselFinder. Some 85% of traffic at the port is transhipment.

The storm is currently positioned southwest of Kingston, with the forecasted path suggesting it will pass near Jamaica’s southern and western coastal areas.

AP reports.