Meteorologist José Rubiera issued a warning on Monday, describing Hurricane Melissa as a "colossal, monstrous Category 5 hurricane" making its way towards Jamaica.
In his latest update on YouTube, Rubiera cautioned that after passing Jamaica overnight, Melissa might be steered by a trough, gaining speed as it heads towards eastern Cuba as a powerful cyclone—potentially a Category 4 or 3—between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Highlighting the danger, he noted that the system has a small eye, sustained maximum winds of 270 km/h, and gusts exceeding 300 km/h, with its center positioned approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Kingston.
A Hurricane of Impeccable Structure
Rubiera described Melissa as having an "almost perfect" structure: a 16-kilometer-wide eye, intense convective activity, and a robust organization that solidified when it reached Category 5 status early in the morning.
Due to its slow movement over Jamaica, catastrophic damage is expected there. Once the trough arrives, the system will pick up speed towards Cuba's eastern provinces, making its way between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, before moving out to sea and heading towards the eastern Bahamas, slightly weakened by Thursday.
Forecasted Path and Potential Impact
Regarding the storm's path, Rubiera noted that numerical models currently align closely over eastern Cuba, matching the official cone from the National Hurricane Center.
He emphasized caution, advising against focusing solely on the central line because a hurricane isn't a single point—a minor shift in its path can alter the wind field, possibly bringing hurricane conditions further west to places like Camagüey, while tropical storm winds, which are also damaging, extend far beyond the eye’s circulation.
Risks and Precautions
Rubiera stressed that heavy rainfall poses a significant threat, with potential urban and rural flooding and landslides in hilly areas.
He also reminded that hurricanes can produce lightning and tornadoes within their spiral bands and warned of storm surge along the coast, leading to elevated sea levels and violent waves making coastal areas impassable.
Winds tend to be stronger in tall buildings and elevated areas like hills and mountains, prompting him to advise seeking refuge in sturdy structures or safe shelters.
Preparing for the Oncoming Storm
As eastern Cuba braces for impact, Rubiera urged the completion of cyclone preparedness efforts in areas under threat, prioritizing the preservation of life, while Jamaica begins to face the storm’s slow-moving wrath tonight.
“Preparation is key,” he concluded, announcing that further updates with more details will follow as the storm’s accelerated trajectory towards the Cuban archipelago becomes clearer.
In a special broadcast on the National Television News (NTV), Rubiera called for maximum vigilance and readiness ahead of the impending strike of this intense weather event.
Hurricane Melissa, already shaping up to be one of the most severe events of the season, may affect southeastern Cuba between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
As of Monday, the hurricane has reached wind speeds of 280 km/h and is situated at a latitude of 16.4°N and a longitude of 78.0°W, approximately 220 kilometers southwest of Kingston (Jamaica) and 515 kilometers southwest of Guantánamo (Cuba).
Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba
What category is Hurricane Melissa currently?
Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 5 hurricane, the highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson scale, indicating its extreme intensity.
How is Hurricane Melissa expected to affect eastern Cuba?
Eastern Cuba is likely to experience severe weather conditions including strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding as Melissa approaches as a powerful cyclone.
What precautions should residents in Cuba take as Hurricane Melissa approaches?
Residents should complete any cyclone preparedness measures, ensure they are in a safe shelter, and stay informed through official updates as the hurricane approaches.