Remarkable images capturing the interior of the formidable Hurricane Melissa from a reconnaissance aircraft were released this past Sunday.
"From a crew member of yesterday's Teal 74 mission to now Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. As clear as it gets in the Atlantic basin," shared Jeremy DeHart, a hurricane reconnaissance pilot, on X.
Earlier today, satellite images also depicted "lightning within the powerful eye of Hurricane Melissa," which has now reached Category 5 status.
Hurricane Melissa's Intensifying Threat
Hurricane Melissa has significantly strengthened, boasting maximum sustained winds of 167 mph (270 km/h), according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) released at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time this Monday.
This updated figure—6 mph (10 km/h) faster than the previous report—confirms its classification as a Category 5 hurricane, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale, posing a severe threat to Cuba and Jamaica, its initial target in the Caribbean.
"Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane [...] Expected to approach southeastern Cuba as an extremely powerful hurricane," warned the NHC.
The storm is currently positioned about 330 miles (530 km) southwest of Guantanamo, moving slowly westward at just 4 mph (6 km/h). However, a turn northward is anticipated tonight, potentially steering its core directly over Jamaica and subsequently into eastern Cuba by Tuesday night.
Cuba Braces for Potentially Severe Hurricane Impact
The advisory includes a hurricane warning for the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguín, indicating that hurricane conditions are expected in these areas within the next 36 hours.
Additionally, Las Tunas is under a tropical storm warning, while regions such as the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are on alert.
"Tropical storm conditions are expected to commence in eastern Cuba on Tuesday. Hurricane conditions are anticipated in the hurricane warning area by Tuesday night."
Cuban authorities have been urged to accelerate preparations to safeguard life and property, particularly in coastal and mountainous regions where wind impacts could be exacerbated.
FAQs on Hurricane Melissa's Impact
What category is Hurricane Melissa currently?
Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 5 hurricane, the highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Which areas are under hurricane warning in Cuba?
The Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguín are under a hurricane warning.
When are hurricane conditions expected to begin in Cuba?
Hurricane conditions are expected to start in the warned areas of Cuba by Tuesday night.