Hurricane Melissa has escalated to a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, boasting maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h), as confirmed by the latest update from the United States' National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued at 5:00 a.m. (Cuban time) this Sunday, October 26.
The Miami-based organization reported that the cyclone's center was positioned at latitude 16.3 North and longitude 76.3 West, roughly 121 miles (195 kilometers) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 280 miles (450 kilometers) southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. Melissa is currently moving slowly westward at around 4 mph (7 km/h) but is expected to turn north and northeast between Monday and Tuesday.
Potential Impact on Jamaica and Eastern Cuba
The projected path indicates that the hurricane's core could strike Jamaica between Monday and Tuesday, subsequently affecting eastern Cuba on Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, while maintaining significant strength.
Maximum Alert Issued for Eastern Cuba
The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín. These areas are expected to experience torrential rains, flooding, and landslides starting Tuesday. Forecasts predict rainfall totals between 6 to 12 inches (150 to 300 millimeters), with potential peaks of up to 18 inches (450 millimeters) in mountainous regions of eastern Cuba. The NHC warned of potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides.
A significant storm surge is also anticipated along the southern coast of Jamaica, with sea levels expected to rise between 9 and 13 feet (3 to 4 meters). Similarly, southeastern Cuba might face dangerous surf and sea intrusion beginning Tuesday night.
Jamaica and Haiti Brace for Impact
A hurricane warning is in effect for all of Jamaica, while a hurricane watch remains active for southwestern Haiti, from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince. Both nations could see rainfall between 15 and 30 inches (380 to 760 millimeters), with possible peaks of 40 inches (1,000 millimeters), leading to catastrophic flooding and landslides.
Power Outages and Misinformation Aggravate Cuba's Crisis
As eastern Cuba braces for Melissa's impact, internal conditions worsen the crisis. The most vulnerable provinces—Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo—are enduring power outages exceeding 18 hours daily, complicating communication, information access, and preparations for the imminent threat.
The NHC stressed that hurricane conditions could be felt in eastern Cuba by Tuesday afternoon, urging that "preparations to protect life and property should be completed immediately."
Residents of the eastern provinces are advised to stay updated through the Cuban Institute of Meteorology and the National Hurricane Center, and to follow Civil Defense instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Melissa
What is the current status of Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center.
Which areas are under threat from Hurricane Melissa?
Eastern Cuba, Jamaica, and southwestern Haiti are under threat, with hurricane watches and warnings issued for these regions due to expected heavy rain, flooding, and landslides.
How are power outages affecting Cuba's hurricane preparedness?
Extended power outages, particularly in eastern Cuba, are hindering communication, access to information, and preparation efforts as the hurricane approaches.