The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a warning on Tuesday regarding the continued threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, describing it as an extremely dangerous storm. After making landfall earlier in the afternoon on Jamaica's southwest coast, the hurricane's eye moved across the island and has now emerged off the northern coast, approximately 15 miles east of Montego Bay, heading northeast at 8 mph.
The NHC cautioned that Jamaica will continue to experience "catastrophic rain and wind" tonight, with destructive winds, flash floods, and landslides. Residents are urged to remain in shelters and follow local directives to ensure safety.
A hurricane warning remains in effect for Jamaica, with forecasts predicting an additional 6 to 12 inches of rain across the island. Some isolated storms could potentially deliver up to 30 inches, heightening the risk of life-threatening flash flooding, particularly in mountainous and high-terrain regions.
The official statement emphasizes that "extremely dangerous hours lie ahead," urging the public to stay in secure locations overnight until authorities provide further guidance.
As the center of Melissa approaches southeastern Cuba overnight into Wednesday morning, tropical storm conditions have already begun to affect the region.
The NHC anticipates a powerful hurricane impact on Cuba's southeastern coast, with widespread damaging winds near the cyclone's core, storm surges reaching 8 to 12 feet above normal tide levels, and intense rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches, with peaks up to 25 inches from Manzanillo to Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo. These conditions are expected to cause catastrophic flash floods and numerous landslides.
The recommendation is to stay sheltered and prepare for hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surges, and flooding as the system progresses and picks up speed.
After passing over eastern Cuba, Melissa is projected to move over the southeastern Bahamas between Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Hurricane alerts are in effect for the Bahamas, with potential hurricane-force winds, storm surges of 5 to 8 feet above ground level, and rainfall of 5 to 10 inches, especially on low-lying islands where the risk of flooding is significant.
Later, the system is expected to accelerate toward the western Atlantic, passing near or possibly just west of Bermuda between Thursday night and Friday morning; Bermuda is currently under a hurricane alert.
The advisory for Jamaica, eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands is to remain sheltered, protect lives and property, and stay updated through meteorological services and Civil Defense communications in each area.
Critical Information About Hurricane Melissa
What areas are most at risk from Hurricane Melissa?
Jamaica, southeastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are most at risk, with potential for destructive winds, storm surges, and life-threatening flash floods.
What are the expected conditions in southeastern Cuba?
Southeastern Cuba can expect strong hurricane impacts, including widespread damaging winds, storm surges of 8 to 12 feet above normal, and rainfall of 10 to 20 inches, with potential for catastrophic flash floods and landslides.
How should residents prepare for Hurricane Melissa?
Residents should remain in shelters, secure their homes and properties, and follow updates from local authorities and weather services to stay informed and safe.