Prominent Cuban meteorologist José Rubiera has issued an urgent warning regarding the imminent arrival of Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, cautioning that the storm "will be destructive" and urging residents to safeguard their lives and those of their families in the face of extreme danger.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rubiera Tiempo, the expert—respected by generations of Cubans for his calm demeanor and authority during crises—explained that Melissa has reached sustained winds of 183 mph (295 km/h) with gusts up to 205 mph (330 km/h). This has classified it as a Category 5 hurricane after passing Jamaica, with a minimum pressure of 892 hectopascals, placing it among the most intense hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic.
Rubiera emphasized that this powerful system is steering towards eastern Cuba and is expected to strike between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, bringing hurricane-force winds from Camagüey to Guantánamo.
"While it may weaken slightly as it passes over Cuba, it will remain extremely intense, dropping to a still-destructive Category 4 or 3," he warned.
The meteorologist stressed the importance of timely evacuation and advised against staying in fragile homes or near the ocean:
"Life cannot be replaced. A house can be rebuilt, but without life, nothing else matters," he underscored.
He also highlighted the threat of storm surges and severe flooding, with a wall of water potentially reaching 13 feet (4 meters) along the southeastern coast, and urged people to rely solely on official sources and trustworthy voices for information.
"Avoid being near rivers, streams, or the sea. Protection is crucial, as this hurricane is truly formidable," Rubiera insisted at the end of his report.
Rubiera's alert comes as Melissa rapidly approaches Cuban territory, placing the island's eastern region on high alert as it braces for one of the most powerful hurricanes in recent decades.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States confirmed in its 5:00 p.m. (Miami time) update that Melissa's center is approximately 202 miles (325 km) southwest of Guantánamo, with maximum sustained winds of 143 mph (230 km/h) and moving north-northeast at 8 mph (13 km/h).
According to the NHC, Melissa is expected to hit southeastern Cuba tonight, causing storm surges between 8 and 12 feet (2.5 to 3.5 meters) and rainfall accumulations of up to 25 inches (over 600 millimeters) in mountainous areas of eastern Cuba, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding and landslides.
Understanding Hurricane Melissa's Impact
What category is Hurricane Melissa currently?
Hurricane Melissa is currently classified as a Category 5 hurricane.
What are the expected impacts of Hurricane Melissa in Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring destructive winds, storm surges up to 13 feet, heavy rainfall, and potential for catastrophic flooding and landslides in eastern Cuba.
How should residents prepare for Hurricane Melissa?
Residents should evacuate fragile homes, stay away from coastal and river areas, and rely on official sources for updates to ensure safety during the storm.