Northeast Faces Winter Weather Threats as Hurricane Melissa Aftermath Unfolds

New Hope, Jamaica – A storm is sweeping across the Northeast this weekend, bringing a mix of weather including heavy snowfall, ice, and rain. Forecasters predict that southern regions could see damaging winds, while areas in Maine could receive over 6 inches of snow.

As the storm develops, the effects of Hurricane Melissa, which battered Jamaica on October 28, remain devastating. The hurricane caused catastrophic winds that reached 185 mph and triggered torrential rain, leading to dozens of fatalities and displacing thousands of residents.

With damage costs estimated at over $7 billion, the storm has affected communities differently across the Caribbean. In Cuba, more than 60,000 homes were impacted, and reports indicate that over 120,000 people are still displaced.

“The destruction in Jamaica is staggering,” said Una May Gordon, former principal director of climate change in Jamaica. “Within a day of Melissa’s passing, Jamaica became the world’s symbol of climate devastation.”

Weather experts correlate the strength of Hurricane Melissa with climate change. Ralf Toumi, a climate scientist, noted that manmade climate change intensified the storm, making it more destructive. “These types of storms will become even worse in the future if we continue to warm the planet,” he stated.

In Jamaica, where agriculture is critical, small-scale farmers have reported major crop damage. The impact on staple crops has raised concerns about food insecurity, with 54% of households already struggling to secure enough food.

The United Nations has mobilized a $74 million appeal to support recovery efforts in Cuba, focusing on critical areas such as health and rehabilitation for displaced residents. Meanwhile, experts predict the challenges presented by Hurricane Melissa and its aftermath will amplify the need for global climate accountability.

The storm’s destructive path serves as a reminder of the increasing intensity of hurricanes as global temperatures rise. “What we see with Hurricane Melissa and other recent monster storms is alarming,” said climate scientist Friederike Otto. “We are reaching a point where these storms could push millions beyond the limits of adaptation.”