Hurricane Melissa continues to rage as a powerful Category 5 storm, boasting sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour and a minimum pressure of 901 millibars. As per the latest advisory from the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), released at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time, the storm maintains its fierce intensity.
The hurricane's eye is currently positioned at 16.8 degrees north and 78.4 degrees west, approximately 215 kilometers southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and 500 kilometers southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. With a slow north-northeast trajectory at about 4 kilometers per hour, Melissa is poised to strike Jamaica directly within the morning hours of this Tuesday.
The NHC warns of potentially catastrophic winds, intense rainfall, and storm surges that could raise sea levels by 9 to 13 feet, accompanied by destructive waves. Already, Jamaica is experiencing sustained winds and strong gusts in its capital, Kingston, where the Norman Manley Airport has recorded gusts exceeding 80 kilometers per hour.
Following its impact on Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is expected to continue moving northeast, likely crossing southeastern Cuba during the early hours and morning of Wednesday, before heading towards the southeast and central regions of The Bahamas.
In Cuba, a hurricane warning remains in effect for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín, while a tropical storm warning is in place for Las Tunas. Authorities are urging extreme caution in anticipation of the imminent arrival of heavy rains, destructive winds, and coastal surges.
Key Concerns About Hurricane Melissa
What is the current intensity of Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa is a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour and a minimum pressure of 901 millibars.
Which areas in Cuba are under a hurricane warning?
The provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín are under a hurricane warning, with Las Tunas under a tropical storm warning.
How will Hurricane Melissa affect Jamaica?
Jamaica is expected to experience catastrophic winds, torrential rains, and storm surges that could elevate sea levels by 9 to 13 feet, along with destructive waves.