Hurricane Melissa is gathering momentum in the central Caribbean, now boasting sustained winds of 96 mph, as per the latest update from the United States' National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The NHC reports that the storm is located approximately 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and there's potential for it to escalate into a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) within hours.
Potential Catastrophe for Jamaica and Hispaniola
Melissa is inching westwards at a sluggish pace of just 4 mph, a factor that heightens the threat of prolonged flooding and landslides, particularly in the mountainous and coastal regions of Jamaica and southern Haiti.
The NHC has warned of torrential rainfall reaching up to 40 inches in specific areas, storm surges between 9 to 13 feet, and destructive winds that could persist over Jamaica for several days.
“Melissa is rapidly intensifying. This is a serious threat and could be catastrophic for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola,” stated the Miami-based meteorological center.
Threat to Eastern Cuba
Cuban meteorologist José Rubiera issued a warning on Saturday, highlighting the hurricane's clear signs of internal organization and how the ocean conditions in the region — with sea temperatures up to 88°F and a warm layer extending over 328 feet deep — are conducive to the system's rapid intensification.
“Melissa is already a hurricane, and it could soon transform into a major one. Although it's not yet fully vertical, it will be shortly. It poses a danger to eastern Cuba,” Rubiera cautioned on his YouTube channel, RubieraTiempo.
Rubiera pinpointed the storm's center about 124 miles southeast of Kingston, emphasizing that the immediate threat is the extreme rainfall lashing southern Dominican Republic and Haiti, where grave flooding, mass evacuations, and at least four fatalities have been reported by international media outlets.
He also predicted that the hurricane might approach eastern Cuba between Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing intense winds, torrential rains, and dangerous surges to provinces like Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín.
“Don't view the hurricane as just a point. Its effects cover a wide area, and impacts could be felt even before the center arrives,” emphasized the expert, urging close monitoring of updates.
Jamaica and Hispaniola Brace for Impact
Meanwhile, Jamaica is bracing for Melissa's direct impact, with hurricane alerts issued nationwide. Authorities have urged residents to find secure shelter in the face of what they describe as “an unprecedented threat.”
In the Dominican Republic, the heavy rains of Friday and Saturday turned the streets of Herrera and San Cristóbal into rivers, trapping vehicles and displacing families. Over a thousand individuals have been evacuated, and 12 provinces remain on high alert due to the risk of further flash floods.
“Melissa's slow movement exacerbates risks, as rain accumulates over the same regions for days,” meteorologist Chris Dolce explained to CNN Weather, warning that the cyclone could reach Category 4 status within the next 48 hours.
The Caribbean Faces Another Storm
Melissa is the thirteenth named system of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which has been notably active. According to the NOAA, warming ocean waters and the slowing of tropical cyclones are intensifying the duration and severity of rainfalls across the Caribbean basin.
As the hurricane progresses, the Caribbean once again turns its eyes skyward with apprehension. In Cuba, memories of past devastating cyclones linger, and the advance of Melissa serves as a reminder of the ever-increasing challenges posed by extreme weather, testing the resilience of Caribbean communities beyond meteorological phenomena.
Hurricane Melissa: Key Questions and Answers
What is the current status of Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa has reached Category 2 status on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, with sustained winds of 96 mph.
Which areas are most at risk from Hurricane Melissa?
Jamaica, southern Haiti, and eastern Cuba are at significant risk due to potential flooding, landslides, and destructive winds.
How is the slow movement of Melissa impacting the Caribbean?
Melissa's slow westward movement increases the likelihood of prolonged rainfall, leading to severe flooding and landslides in affected regions.