In the early hours of Wednesday, October 29, the extremely dangerous Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba. The storm hit the southern coast of Santiago de Cuba province, specifically Playa El Francés near Chivirico in the Guamá municipality, as confirmed by the United States' National Hurricane Center (NHC).
According to radar and satellite data, Melissa arrived with maximum sustained winds of 121 mph and a central pressure of 952 millibars, classifying it as a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
The hurricane's arrival in Cuba follows its destructive path through Jamaica, where it caused catastrophic flooding, landslides, and severe structural damage. In Cuba, hurricane warnings remain in effect for the provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Las Tunas.
Severe Conditions in Eastern Cuba
The NHC has issued warnings about the storm bringing torrential rains, violent gusts of wind, and storm surges between 8 and 12 feet above sea level, particularly along the eastern coasts of the island. These dangerous conditions pose a direct threat to life and could result in sudden flooding and landslides in mountainous areas.
The cyclone is expected to maintain its strength as it moves northeast, crossing eastern Cuba in the coming hours before heading toward the southeastern Bahamas.
Civil Defense Maintains Cyclonic Alert
Cuban Civil Defense authorities have kept the cyclonic alert phase active across eastern Cuba. They urge residents to remain in safe shelters, refrain from venturing outside during the hurricane's passage, and stay clear of coastal areas and swollen rivers.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 28 miles from the center, with tropical storm conditions reaching out to 196 miles. These extreme conditions are forecasted to persist throughout Wednesday morning.
The NHC cautioned that Hurricane Melissa remains a powerful system, with its movement potentially causing dangerous surf and storm surges along Cuba's southeastern coast.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Melissa's Impact
What areas in Cuba are affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa has impacted the southern coast of Santiago de Cuba province, particularly near Playa El Francés and Chivirico. Provinces under hurricane warnings include Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Las Tunas.
What are the expected weather conditions in Cuba due to the hurricane?
The NHC forecasts torrential rains, violent winds, and storm surges of 8 to 12 feet above sea level, particularly in the eastern parts of Cuba. These conditions could lead to flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous regions.
How long are the extreme weather conditions expected to last?
The severe weather conditions are expected to continue throughout Wednesday morning as Hurricane Melissa moves across eastern Cuba.