The Cuban Meteorological Institute has released an urgent tropical cyclone alert for Hurricane Melissa, which has escalated to a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, marking the peak intensity for such meteorological events.
Identified as Advisory No. 14, the latest update signals a gradual deterioration of weather conditions in eastern Cuba. This includes heavy rainfall, significant swells, and coastal flooding, particularly affecting the southern shores of the Granma and Santiago de Cuba provinces.
INSMET warns that over the past 12 hours, the system has consistently gained strength.
The hurricane's maximum sustained winds have reached 260 km/h, with even stronger gusts, while the central pressure has dropped to 917 hectoPascals, indicating its intensification and destructive potential.
By 6 a.m. local time on Monday, Hurricane Melissa's eye was located at 16.4 degrees North latitude and 77.9 degrees West longitude, placing it just 200 kilometers south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and 455 kilometers southwest of Santiago de Cuba.
Melissa is moving slowly westward at a speed of 6 km/h, but it is expected to shift its path towards the north and northeast within the next 24 hours, posing a significant threat to Jamaica and subsequently eastern Cuba.
Worsening Weather Conditions
"Hurricane Melissa will be approaching the national territory from the south of the eastern region of Cuba starting Tuesday," the official report warns, emphasizing the need for local authorities and residents to maintain strict vigilance.
According to the Institute's advisory, as Hurricane Melissa nears the eastern region, weather conditions will progressively worsen.
The hurricane's outer bands are already increasing cloud cover and rainfall over this area, with precipitation expected to be heavy and intense, particularly in mountainous zones.
Additionally, strong swells persist in the southern seas of Granma and Santiago de Cuba, with light flooding in low-lying coastal areas—a situation likely to worsen as the hurricane approaches.
The Forecast Center of the Meteorological Institute is closely monitoring the evolution and future trajectory of this powerful hurricane. Given the system's dangerousness and proximity to the national territory, another official update is expected by noon on Monday.
Residents, especially in the eastern region, should stay alert to the Institute's advisories and follow the Civil Defense's instructions. Although Melissa has not yet made landfall in Cuba, its impact is already being felt and could intensify significantly in the coming hours.
"Melissa is now a highly intense and very dangerous hurricane for the region," the statement concludes, reinforcing the call for caution and immediate preparation in light of a potentially severe scenario.
Hurricane Melissa: Key Questions
What category is Hurricane Melissa currently?
Hurricane Melissa has reached Category 5, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Which areas of Cuba are most at risk from Hurricane Melissa?
The southern coasts of Granma and Santiago de Cuba provinces are particularly at risk due to heavy rainfall and coastal flooding.
What precautions should residents in the affected areas take?
Residents should stay alert to advisories from the Meteorological Institute and follow instructions from Civil Defense authorities.