It Will Take Days to Know the Impact of Hurricane Melissa

Since Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica as the season’s most-intense storm, initial reports already show flooding and chaos. While those early signs of destruction are powerful, it will likely take hours — if not days — to assess the full scope of the damage.

Many communities stand to be cut off by floodwaters, landslides and debris-covered roadways. In addition, cell service and power failed in many places as the storm arrived, leaving some residents with no way to call for help. Experts have warned that Jamaica faces historic devastation, with local emergency managers ordering evacuations across the island and urging residents to stockpile drinking water for as long as three days. There are also about 25,000 tourists still on the island.