Overview
- U.S. National Hurricane Center confirmed landfall near New Hope in St. Elizabeth Parish around 1 p.m. local time with sustained winds near 185 mph.
- A life‑threatening storm surge of 9 to 13 feet is expected along the south coast, with catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides possible.
- Rainfall totals of 15 to 30 inches are forecast across Jamaica, with localized amounts up to 40 inches in higher elevations.
- Power outages reached about 240,000 customers as fallen trees, landslides and flooding hindered access for repair crews.
- At least seven deaths have been reported across the Caribbean, and Cuba evacuated more than 600,000 people as the storm moves toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas.