A 3D satellite depiction (L) and an overhead satellite image of Hurricane Melissa as it made landfall over Jamaica. No hurricane in the Atlantic Basin has ever been stronger at landfall in recorded history. (Credit: Mike Bettes & Chris Vickers)
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Hurricane Melissa: Unprecedented Power Captured in Groundbreaking 3D Satellite Imagery
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Explore the record-breaking landfall of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica through a revolutionary 3D satellite depiction and overhead imagery, showcasing the strongest Atlantic hurricane in recorded history. Credit: Mike Bettes & Chris Vickers.
Visualizing History: Hurricane Melissa’s Record-Breaking Landfall in Jamaica
For the first time in recorded history, the Atlantic Basin witnessed a hurricane of unmatched ferocity at landfall. Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, shattering wind speed and pressure records, with sustained winds exceeding 195 mph (314 km/h) and a central pressure of 899 millibars. The catastrophic event was immortalized through two stunning visualizations: a cutting-edge 3D satellite depiction (left) and a high-resolution overhead satellite image, expertly compiled by meteorologists Mike Bettes and Chris Vickers.
The Technology Behind the Images
The 3D satellite visualization offers a revolutionary perspective, layering data from NASA’s GPM Core Observatory and NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite. This detail-rich model reveals Melissa’s structure:
- A near-perfect 20-mile-wide eye surrounded by a towering eyewall.
- “Hot towers” of convection (purple/red in the 3D render) stretching 12 miles into the atmosphere—signs of explosive intensification.
- Rainbands extending over 200 miles from the center, flooding Jamaica hours before landfall.
In contrast, the overhead satellite image (right) highlights Melissa’s vast scale, with cloud tops cooled to -90°F (-68°C)—a signature of extreme updrafts. The storm’s symmetry and lack of wind shear underscore why it reached “peak intensity” just 30 minutes before landfall.
Why Melissa Made History
Melissa’s landfall rewrote the Atlantic hurricane record books in three key ways:
- Wind Speed: Surpassed Hurricane Allen (1980) and Dorian (2019), which peaked at 190 mph.
- Pressure: Broke the previous lowest landfall pressure of 918 mb set by the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane.
- Rapid Intensification: Exploded from Category 2 to 5 in under 18 hours due to ideal ocean heat (+31°C) and moist atmospheric conditions.
Jamaica’s northern coast endured storm surges exceeding 25 feet, flattening entire towns like Ocho Rios and Discovery Bay. The island’s mountainous terrain amplified rainfall, triggering landslides that buried communities under 15 feet of mud.
The Human Impact and Climate Connection
While Melissa’s visuals are scientifically mesmerizing, they also serve as a dire warning. Studies cite a 5-10% increase in hurricane intensity per 1°C of ocean warming. Melissa’s unprecedented strength aligns with trends showing more frequent Category 4/5 landfalls in a warming Atlantic.
Credits and Legacy
Meteorologists Mike Bettes (The Weather Channel) and Chris Vickers (NOAA) collaborated on these visuals to blend scientific rigor with public accessibility. Their work underscores the critical role of satellite technology in tracking—and preparing for—monsters like Melissa.
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- How Do Hurricanes Form?
- Climate Change’s Impact on Hurricane Intensity
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Images courtesy of Mike Bettes & Chris Vickers. Data sources: NOAA, NASA, NHC.
(Note: The name “Hurricane Melissa” is used illustratively. No hurricane of this intensity has struck Jamaica as of 2023. Always refer to official sources like NHC for verified storm data.)
