Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm—the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale—is gaining strength as it approaches Jamaica and Cuba. As of Monday morning, its sustained winds reached an impressive 168 miles per hour.
The Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 15 from the Cuban Institute of Meteorology's Forecast Center, issued at noon today, pinpointed the hurricane's eye approximately 138 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica; 236 miles south of Cabo Cruz in Granma Province; and 298 miles southwest of Santiago de Cuba.
The weather bulletin confirmed Melissa's status as a major hurricane, maintaining its formidable intensity with sustained winds of 168 mph and even stronger gusts. Its central pressure dropped to 908 hectoPascal.
At noon, the hurricane's eye was located at 16.4 degrees North latitude and 78.3 degrees West longitude.
Potential Impact on Cuba and Jamaica
Cuban meteorologists forecast that over the next 24 hours, this system will continue its slow westward path, gradually veering north and then northeast, moving perilously close to or over Jamaica.
By Tuesday, it is expected to approach Cuba from the southern seas of the eastern region, leading to progressively worsening weather conditions.
Advisories and Warnings
The INSMET advisory warned that the hurricane's outer bands will increase cloudiness and precipitation in Cuba's eastern region. These rains could become intense in some areas, particularly in mountainous regions.
Strong swells will persist in the seas south of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo provinces, causing minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
Below is the full text of the Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 15 from the Cuban Meteorology Institute's Forecast Center:
Full Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 15
HURRICANE MELISSA …Melissa continues to intensify south of Jamaica...
Throughout this morning, Hurricane Melissa has continued to gain intensity. The maximum sustained winds have increased to 168 mph, with stronger gusts, and its central pressure has dropped to 908 hectoPascal, maintaining its status as a category five hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
At noon today, the eye of Hurricane Melissa was estimated at 16.4 degrees North latitude and 78.3 degrees West longitude, positioning it approximately 138 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, 236 miles south of Cabo Cruz, Granma, and 298 miles southwest of Santiago de Cuba. Melissa is moving slowly westward at a speed of six kilometers per hour.
In the coming 24 hours, this system will continue its slow westward movement, gradually tilting its trajectory northward and then northeastward, moving very close to or over Jamaica. By Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa will be approaching the national territory from the southern seas of eastern Cuba, leading to progressively deteriorating weather conditions.
The hurricane's outer bands will continue to increase cloud cover and precipitation in Cuba's eastern region, which could become intense in some localities, especially in mountainous areas. Strong swells will persist in the seas south of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, resulting in minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
The Forecast Center of the Meteorology Institute maintains close monitoring of this intense hurricane's evolution and future trajectory.
The next tropical cyclone advisory will be issued at 6 PM on Monday.
Developing story…
Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Melissa
What is the current intensity of Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 168 mph.
How close is Hurricane Melissa to Jamaica and Cuba?
The hurricane's eye is approximately 138 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and 298 miles southwest of Santiago de Cuba.
What impact is expected on Cuba due to Hurricane Melissa?
Cuba's eastern region may experience increased cloudiness, intense rainfall, especially in mountainous areas, and minor coastal flooding due to strong swells.
When will the next advisory on Hurricane Melissa be issued?
The next advisory will be released at 6 PM on Monday.