David Muir fans send prayers as ABC host returns with ‘catastrophic’ hurricane warning
ABC News anchor David Muir warned viewers of a ‘monster’ hurricane that is ‘just hours away’ from hitting Jamaica, with the storm already leaving seven people dead
David Muir had an update on the storm(Image: abc)
David Muir returned to his ABC show after taking a break over the weekend and alerted viewers about a “monster” hurricane that was “just hours away” from striking Jamaica.
Hurricane Melissa has killed seven people across the Caribbean, with locals bracing for potentially catastrophic destruction from the storm. The Category 5 hurricane is packing winds of up to 175mph, with forecasts suggesting they could intensify to 180 mph.
Melissa stands as the most powerful storm of the year and is predicted to become the most devastating hurricane in Jamaica’s recorded history. Muir covered the storm during Monday night’s ABC World News Tonight, informing viewers, “Good evening on this Monday night, we begin tonight with this monster Category 5 hurricane with winds up to 175mph, now just hours away from slamming into the island of Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, a potentially catastrophic storm, could be the strongest to hit in the island’s history.” It comes after Muir said ‘it’s been a heavy time’ as he admits being ‘in denial’ over huge exit.
Muir subsequently shared satellite imagery revealing the enormous scale of the hurricane. “It could bring 40 inches of rain,” he cautioned.
Muir went on, “The storm’s outer bands already making an impact on Jamaica, wind gusts picking up, rough surfs slamming the shore, but nothing like they’re about to see.” Muir reported that Jamaica’s airports have shut down before noting, “Tourists who did not leave in time will be forced to ride out the storm.”
He further revealed that hurricane hunters attempting to penetrate the eye of the hurricane encountered turbulence “so strong that one of the flights had to turn back.” Providing an update, Muir revealed, “We have learned at this hour, the US Navy now evacuating 1,000 non-essential personnel, family members and residents from Guantanamo Bay.”
Muir subsequently passed the report to journalist Ike Ejiochi, who delivered additional details from Kingston, Jamaica.
Ejiochi reported, “Tonight, families in Jamaica are bracing for what could be the strongest storm on record to hit the island nation. Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, winds 175mph, lightning flashing in the eye over the warm waters of the Caribbean.”
The correspondent was shown being soaked while delivering his live report from the location. He informed audiences that authorities are “racing to clear drainage ditches” as certain regions are expected to “get up to 40 inches of rain.
“Melissa has already killed six people across the Caribbean,” Ejiochi stated. The fatality count has since climbed to seven. He added, “Also causing destruction in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where officials say nearly 4,000 people are displaced.”
Footage from the broadcast was posted on Instagram alongside the caption, “Families in Jamaica are bracing for Hurricane Melissa – a Category 5 hurricane with 175 mph winds that’s become Earth’s strongest hurricane winds of the year. With warm water in the Caribbean strengthening the massive storm, @ikeejiochi reports from Jamaica.”
ABC audience members flooded the comments section with prayers for Jamaican residents. “Sometimes these storms turn at the last minute and I pray it does this time,” one viewer commented.
One viewer offered encouragement, saying, “God got you guys,” while another added, “Prayers for the safety of those sheltering in place through this catastrophic event. May God be with them.”
Discussing the tourists stranded in Jamaica, a viewer confessed, “I can’t imagine being stuck over there on what was supposed to be a vacation after the storm is over ain’t no telling when you will get home prayers for all.” Another person chimed in with, “Stay safe.”
