Santiago de Cuba is beginning to feel the initial impact of Hurricane Melissa as intermittent winds have already toppled trees and power lines, and caused water accumulation on multiple city streets.
Social communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared photos on Facebook this Tuesday, depicting fallen trees and branches alongside streets flooded with water, highlighting the increasing proximity of Cyclone Melissa.
"Intermittent tropical storm winds are being felt in Santiago de Cuba, starting to knock down trees and power lines," Mayeta wrote, providing images from various urban areas.
The editorial team of CiberCuba also received accounts from a local Santiago resident who reported experiencing a strong gust of wind that shook windows and doors.
"And the worst is yet to come," warned the resident.
Images of the damage caused by Melissa have also been shared by the officialist profile Tocororo Cubano, even though the hurricane remains distant from Santiago de Cuba province.
"The impacts of Hurricane Melissa are already being felt," the page mentioned on Facebook.
The independent global weather visualization platform Windy predicted on Tuesday that Hurricane Melissa would make landfall near the Uvero–Chivirico area in Santiago de Cuba at dawn on Wednesday, with maximum winds approaching 138 mph (222 km/h).
A map from the specialized portal shows the powerful Hurricane Melissa is very close to eastern Cuba and could make landfall around 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday in the Uvero–Chivirico area on the southern coast of Santiago de Cuba, prompting local authorities to evacuate vulnerable communities.
Hurricane Melissa emerged on Tuesday afternoon off the northern coast of western Jamaica and is heading towards eastern Cuba with sustained maximum winds of 145 mph (230 km/h), classified as a Category 4 on the Saffir–Simpson scale.
Renowned Cuban meteorologist José Rubiera issued an urgent warning about Melissa's imminent arrival in eastern Cuba, stressing that the phenomenon "will be destructive" and urging residents to safeguard their lives and those of their families against the extreme danger.
Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Santiago de Cuba
What initial effects has Hurricane Melissa caused in Santiago de Cuba?
The hurricane's initial effects include the toppling of trees and power lines, as well as water accumulation on several streets in Santiago de Cuba.
When is Hurricane Melissa expected to make landfall in Santiago de Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall near the Uvero–Chivirico area of Santiago de Cuba at around 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
What category is Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa is categorized as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale, with sustained maximum winds of 145 mph (230 km/h).