The strongest storm in the world approaches: A quarter of a million people without electricity; winds 300 km/h

Hurricane LIVE

Storm-tracking planes completed their final flights through Hurricane Melissa before it hits land

According to FlightAware data, a U.S. military C-130 Hercules (call sign Teal75) from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew through winds exceeding 320 km/h and then circled within the hurricane's eye.

It was joined by a smaller Orion "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which flew directly through the storm's center.

Both planes collected data on wind speed and atmospheric pressure using onboard instruments and released measurement devices at various altitudes.

Meteorologists note that these flights are extremely turbulent and physically exhausting but crucial for understanding hurricane development and assessing its strength and potential impact.

The data gathered during these flights will be published in the next update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center, and footage from the planes already shows Melissa’s impressive “eye,” surrounded by massive walls of clouds rotating at enormous speed.

"Ready to respond quickly when the hurricane hits"

Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie stated that Jamaica is prepared to respond rapidly with search and rescue operations as Hurricane Melissa strikes the country.

“We have boats, helicopters—whatever is needed,” McKenzie said.

He added that the government has equipped the military with several helicopters, and that the Jamaica Fire Brigade has vessels that can be used both on land and at sea for search and rescue operations.

Nearly 250,000 people without electricity

Almost a quarter of a million people in Jamaica have been left without power, confirmed Minister of Energy Daryl Vaz at a press conference.

“The electrical grid has already been affected by hurricane conditions, causing a series of power outages across the island,” Vaz said.

He added that strong winds and lightning strikes have knocked out several power generation units, key transformer stations, as well as transmission and distribution lines.

The most affected areas are Saint Elizabeth, Manchester, and Hanover, as well as Saint James in the western part of the country.

Hurricane intensifies, winds reach 300 km/h

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Hurricane Melissa “continues to strengthen” as it approaches Jamaica, with sustained wind speeds at its center now reaching 185 miles per hour (about 300 km/h).