Prominent Cuban meteorologist José Rubiera has returned to national television with an urgent alert regarding the impending threat posed by Hurricane Melissa as it advances toward Cuban territory.
In a special broadcast on the National Television News (NTV), Rubiera emphasized the necessity for heightened vigilance and preparation ahead of the storm's anticipated impact.
"Pay close attention as it crosses Jamaica; only 12 hours separate Jamaica from Cuba," Rubiera cautioned.
Potential Impact on Cuba's Southeastern Regions
Forecasted as one of the most intense events of the season, Hurricane Melissa might affect southeastern Cuba between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
"Human life is invaluable; material possessions can be rebuilt, but not human lives," Rubiera stressed.
Characteristics of a Well-Organized Hurricane
The meteorologist elaborated on the storm's structure: "A perfectly circular eye, cloud bands with heavy rain and winds, and spiral bands extending rain to distant areas like the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which will continue to experience heavy rainfall."
Jamaica has already been feeling Melissa's effects for several days, with an increase in intensity recently observed.
Understanding the Threat: More Than Just a Path
Rubiera urged residents not to fixate solely on the hurricane's eye path, as an event of this magnitude brings multiple dangers.
"A hurricane is not just a point; it's a vast area with hurricane-force winds, intense rains, storm surges, and various associated hazards," he explained.
He highlighted the three most dangerous hurricane elements: "winds, rains, and the sea," reiterating that protecting human life should be the top priority.
Forecast and Trajectory of Hurricane Melissa
According to Rubiera's forecast, Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica by Tuesday morning. Its intensity may slightly decrease due to the island's mountainous terrain but will likely remain a major hurricane.
"It might weaken slightly, but it will still emerge as a significant hurricane, likely Category 3 or 4, but probably not 5," he clarified.
Nevertheless, Rubiera warned that even as a Category 3 or 4, Melissa will remain extremely dangerous with substantial destructive power.
The storm is anticipated to make landfall on Cuba's southeastern coast between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, then move swiftly toward the Bahamas and eventually the Atlantic, where it will become extratropical.
Current Status and Civil Defense Warnings
As of the NTV broadcast, the hurricane was a Category 4 with sustained winds of 230 km/h. Within hours, it escalated to Category 5, reaching winds up to 260 km/h.
Rubiera described Melissa as an "extremely dangerous hurricane," having intensified its winds by 95 km/h in just 24 hours.
The meteorologist urged Cubans to act responsibly, stay informed, and prioritize protecting human life.
Hurricane Melissa continues its slow and destructive path through the western Caribbean, with maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 913 millibars, according to the 8:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) intermediate advisory from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The cyclone, deemed "extremely dangerous" by experts, is currently at latitude 16.4°N and longitude 78.0°W, approximately 220 kilometers southwest of Kingston (Jamaica) and 515 kilometers southwest of Guantánamo (Cuba).
It is moving slowly westward at 6 km/h, with an expected turn toward the northwest and north overnight, before accelerating northeast starting Tuesday.
In Cuba, the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín are under a hurricane warning, while Las Tunas is under a tropical storm warning.
Civil Defense authorities have urged the completion of emergency preparations before nightfall, anticipating potential hurricane-force winds and torrential rains in the eastern part of the country starting Tuesday.
Understanding Hurricane Melissa's Threat to Cuba
What is the current status of Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 913 millibars.
Which Cuban provinces are under hurricane warning?
The provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín are under a hurricane warning. Las Tunas is under a tropical storm warning.
How is Hurricane Melissa expected to impact Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in southeastern Cuba between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, bringing hurricane-force winds, intense rains, and storm surges.