Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 3 storm, is on the verge of striking eastern Cuba, according to an early morning report from the United States' National Hurricane Center (NHC) this Wednesday.
As of 2:00 a.m. Cuban time, Melissa's eye was pinpointed at 19.7 degrees north latitude and 76.4 degrees west longitude, approximately 130 kilometers west-southwest of Guantánamo and 435 kilometers south of the central Bahamas. The hurricane maintains maximum sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour with a minimum central pressure of 952 millibars, moving northeast at 17 km/h.
Heightened Alert in Eastern Cuba
The NHC has issued a warning that Melissa is expected to hit southeastern Cuba in the coming hours as an exceedingly dangerous hurricane, capable of unleashing destructive winds, torrential rains, and significant storm surges.
The areas under hurricane warning include the provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Las Tunas. Meanwhile, Camagüey, Haiti, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands remain under a tropical storm warning.
Torrential Rains and Dangerous Storm Surges
The advisory cautions that Melissa will bring between 250 and 500 millimeters of rain to eastern Cuba, with higher local amounts in mountainous areas, potentially causing catastrophic flash floods and numerous landslides.
A storm surge of 8 to 12 feet (2.5 to 3.5 meters) above normal sea levels is also anticipated, especially along the southeastern coast, with large and destructive waves likely impacting bays and inlets along the northern coastline.
The NHC confirmed that hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 kilometers from the storm's center, while tropical storm-force winds reach as far as 315 kilometers.
Authorities Urge Shelter
Cuban Civil Defense authorities have activated hurricane alert phases in the eastern part of the country and are urging residents to remain in secure shelters, avoid venturing out during the storm, and stay clear of coastal areas and waterways.
The NHC noted that Melissa might retain its strength as it passes over eastern Cuba and remains a potent hurricane as it moves across the Bahamas over the next 24 hours.
The next comprehensive update will be released at 5:00 a.m. Cuban time.
Photo: NOAA / NHC — Satellite image of Hurricane Melissa in the early hours of Wednesday.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Melissa
What is the current status of Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 3 storm poised to make landfall in eastern Cuba, bringing dangerous conditions.
Which areas are under hurricane warning?
The provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Las Tunas are under hurricane warning.
What are the expected impacts of Hurricane Melissa?
Melissa is expected to cause destructive winds, torrential rains, catastrophic flash floods, and significant storm surges.