As the eastern region of Cuba braces for the most intense impacts of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Santiago de Cuba have been spotted dancing a conga in the streets. This scene combines a mix of anxiety and community spirit in the face of a severe weather event.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that the group spontaneously began the lively rhythm while they were busy adjusting shutters, securing light roofs, and discussing official updates.
Meanwhile, the weather situation grows more urgent. As of 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center reported that Melissa emerged off the northern coast of western Jamaica and is moving towards eastern Cuba as a Category 4 hurricane. It boasts maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a central pressure of 921 mb.
The center of the storm was located at 18.5°N, 77.7°W, about 12 miles east of Montego Bay and 202 miles southwest of Guantánamo, traveling north-northeast at 8 mph (13 km/h).
Forecast and Warnings
The official forecast predicts that the core of the system will move away from Jamaica tonight and cross over southeastern Cuba between tonight and early Wednesday. It will then travel over the southeastern or central Bahamas on Wednesday and approach Bermuda on Thursday, with a more pronounced turn to the northeast and increased forward speed expected.
The hurricane's wind field confirms its massive size: hurricane-force winds extend up to 28 miles from the center, and tropical storm-force winds reach up to 196 miles. This means hazardous conditions will precede the center's passage over eastern Cuba.
Hurricane warnings remain in effect for Jamaica, the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas, as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas. Tropical storm warnings are in place for Haiti, Camagüey, and the Turks and Caicos, with a hurricane watch issued for Bermuda.
Precautions and Potential Impact
Authorities urge residents to seek or stay in safe shelters and expedite preparations in areas under warning.
The threat from rainfall is particularly high for eastern Cuba, where the NHC forecasts total accumulations of 10 to 20 inches (250–500 mm), with local maxima of 25 inches (≈635 mm) through Wednesday. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and numerous landslides on saturated slopes.
In Jamaica, despite the storm's center moving away, catastrophic flash floods and landslides will continue tonight due to residual rainbands.
The center of Melissa is nearing southeastern Cuba overnight and into Wednesday morning, where tropical storm conditions have already begun to be felt.
The NHC anticipates a very powerful hurricane impact on the southeast coast of the country, with widespread damaging winds near the cyclone's core, a storm surge of 8 to 12 feet above normal tide levels, and extremely heavy rainfall. Expected accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, with peaks of up to 25 inches, are forecast from Manzanillo to Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, where catastrophic flash floods and numerous landslides are expected.
FAQs on Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba
What areas are under hurricane warning as Hurricane Melissa approaches?
Hurricane warnings are in effect for Jamaica, the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas, as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas.
What is the expected impact of Hurricane Melissa on eastern Cuba?
Eastern Cuba is expected to experience widespread damaging winds, a storm surge of 8 to 12 feet, and heavy rainfall with accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, leading to life-threatening flash floods and landslides.