Tropical Storm Melissa continues to gain strength over the central Caribbean Sea, showing improved organization and increased intensity. According to Advisory No. 8 from Cuba's Institute of Meteorology (Insmet), issued at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, the storm now features maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour, with stronger gusts.
The storm's center is positioned at 16.0 degrees latitude North and 74.3 degrees longitude West, approximately 345 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, moving north at a slow pace of just four kilometers per hour.
Forecasts suggest that Melissa will veer westward over the next 24 hours, potentially escalating to hurricane status by the weekend.
Insmet's Forecasting Center emphasized that the storm "poses a potential threat to Cuban territory," urging the public to stay alert to official updates.
The next advisory is scheduled for release at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday.
On Friday, Cuba's National Civil Defense Headquarters declared an Informational Phase for the provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, Las Tunas, and Camagüey, effective from 2:00 p.m., to ensure that local authorities begin preparations for the meteorological emergency.
Meanwhile, the United States' National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of the possibility that Tropical Storm Melissa could undergo rapid intensification in the coming hours.
This weather system might develop into a Category 5 hurricane, with maximum winds estimated at 250 km/h within 60 hours, fueled by the strengthening of its core structure and the exceptionally warm Caribbean Sea temperatures.
Such a progression increases the threat to Jamaica and, subsequently, to Cuba, which could face impacts towards the end of the forecast period.
In light of this, meteorologist José Rubiera noted that Melissa is "on the brink of becoming a hurricane," and warned that Jamaica could face severe impacts from catastrophic winds and rain over several days, heightening potential risks for Cuba in the first half of the coming week.
Even though it remains a tropical storm and is still distant from eastern Cuba, intense rainfall linked to the storm has triggered landslides in mountainous areas and partially collapsed the main bridge in Quiviján, Baracoa, rendering it impassable for vehicles.
Key Questions About Tropical Storm Melissa
What is the current status of Tropical Storm Melissa?
Tropical Storm Melissa is strengthening over the central Caribbean Sea with maximum sustained winds reaching 100 km/h, and it is projected to potentially become a hurricane by the weekend.
Which areas are under threat from Tropical Storm Melissa?
Melissa poses a potential threat to Jamaica initially and could later impact Cuba as it intensifies. Provinces in eastern Cuba are on alert for possible severe weather conditions.
What preparations are being made in response to Tropical Storm Melissa?
Cuba's National Civil Defense has declared an Informational Phase for several provinces, urging local authorities to prepare for potential emergency conditions.