The US Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the "Hurricane Hunters," flew through Hurricane Melissa yesterday to collect vital data for the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Melissa, described as "catastrophic" by the NHC, is expected to hit Jamaica late today or early tomorrow before moving across eastern Cuba and the Bahamas.
Forecasters have warned of unprecedented winds and widespread destruction, exacerbated by the storm's slow movement over warm Caribbean waters.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness ordered evacuations for southern Jamaica, including Port Royal, but some residents resisted due to looting concerns. "There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5," Mr Holness said, as the island braces for devastating impacts.
