Hurricane Melissa

[Clancy]

The world bank classifies Jamaica as an upper-middle income economy, again, the concrete grand structures and mansions located there are evidence of that.

This is the most notable & relevant piece here. Jamaica's infrastructure is mixed, but a lot of newer construction is concrete reinforced with rebar. It's a popular choice in Caribbean countries precisely because of its resilience against hurricanes, and is also often influenced by ancient Taino building techniques. A Melissa-class storm striking anywhere on the Gulf Coast would be similarly catastrophic, especially to residential homes, which are very much not made out of concrete and rebar.

One thing I am definitely concerned about is that there is less of that construction in the smaller and disparate towns that were struck hardest in the country's southwest. Many of the small communities are still yet to be reached, and every second, minute and hour counts when people are trapped in their homes or are injured and unable to move.

 

[akt1985]

Melissa almost looks completely post-tropical this morning.

 

[warneagle]

This is the most notable & relevant piece here. Jamaica's infrastructure is mixed, but a lot of newer construction is concrete reinforced with rebar. It's a popular choice in Caribbean countries precisely because of its resilience against hurricanes, and is also often influenced by ancient Taino building techniques. A Melissa-class storm striking anywhere on the Gulf Coast would be similarly catastrophic, especially to residential homes, which are very much not made out of concrete and rebar.

One thing I am definitely concerned about is that there is less of that construction in the smaller and disparate towns that were struck hardest in the country's southwest. Many of the small communities are still yet to be reached, and every second, minute and hour counts when people are trapped in their homes or are injured and unable to move.

Yeah, this is the big thing. I keep going back to that map that Jeff Masters posted of like, social vulnerability on the island and a lot of it was concentrated in the western part of the island that got hit the most directly. The wealthier, more developed parts of the island were mostly outside of the worst-affected area.

 

[Western_KS_Wx]

Some very high-end vegetation damage in Black River. Trees and low-lying shrubbery totally denuded and stripped, some of the more impressive damage I’ve seen from Melissa so far.

 

[Clancy]

Some very high-end vegetation damage in Black River. Trees and low-lying shrubbery totally denuded and stripped, some of the more impressive damage I’ve seen from Melissa so far.

That vegetation damage is intense, very reminiscent of strong tornado damage.

 

[WeathermanLeprechaun]

I knew the Jamaicans would respond bravely to this hurricane, they are absolutely brilliant people and it's no surprise to see they are going to the limits to help everyone affected.

Some very high-end vegetation damage in Black River. Trees and low-lying shrubbery totally denuded and stripped, some of the more impressive damage I’ve seen from Melissa so far.

This is very high end. Just unbelievable what this thing did to Black River.

 

[akt1985]

Melissa is now officially post-tropical.

 

[warneagle]

Yeah based on those photos I wouldn't be surprised to see the reanalysis say it was stronger than 185 mph at landfall. That looks like at least EF4-level vegetation damage. (I know you can't compare them 1:1 but you know what I mean)

 

[warneagle]

Yeesh. This looks like when they do the satellite photos comparing North Korea and South Korea at night.