Michael Brennan, the head of the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), has delivered a new briefing regarding Hurricane Melissa, which intensified to a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale this Monday. The hurricane is currently packing sustained winds of 165 mph (270 km/h) and a central pressure of 908 millibars.
"We are anticipating catastrophic winds," expressed the concerned NHC director, urging both local authorities in Jamaica and residents to finalize preparations to safeguard lives and property.
Brennan characterized Melissa as a "catastrophic and potentially deadly" event. He noted the hurricane's eye is positioned 230 kilometers southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, which translates to 530 kilometers southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba.
Forecasts indicate a northward turn occurring between tonight and Tuesday, with the storm set to pass over Jamaica imminently and make its way into eastern Cuba by October 28. The provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín are expected to experience severe impacts on Tuesday night.
"It will traverse eastern Cuba on Tuesday night," the meteorologist cautioned, with the possibility of remaining a Category 4 or 5 hurricane.
A hurricane warning remains in effect for Jamaica and eastern Cuba. Additionally, a hurricane watch has been issued for the southeastern Bahamas, the central archipelago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, where hazardous conditions are forecasted to begin Wednesday.
Dominican Republic and Haiti should brace for continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.
The NHC has warned that Melissa could unleash rainfall accumulations of up to 30 inches (over 700 millimeters) in Jamaica and 20 inches (500 millimeters) in eastern Cuba, potentially causing flash floods and landslides.
Moreover, a storm surge is anticipated to reach between 9 and 13 feet (3 to 4 meters) along Jamaica's southern coast and up to 11 feet in southeastern Cuba, accompanied by destructive waves.
Meteorological authorities urge the public to stay informed through official bulletins and avoid coastal areas as Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms of the 2025 Atlantic season, approaches.
Key Information about Hurricane Melissa
What category is Hurricane Melissa currently?
Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Which areas are under hurricane warning due to Melissa?
A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica and eastern Cuba, with a watch issued for the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
What are the potential impacts of Hurricane Melissa?
Melissa could cause up to 30 inches of rain in Jamaica and 20 inches in eastern Cuba, leading to flash floods and landslides, along with a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet.