Melissa Brings Storm-Force Winds to Eastern Cuba

Hurricane Melissa, still classified as a category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale after moving away from Cuba, continues to impact the eastern part of the island with tropical storm-force winds and scattered showers that persist throughout the day.

As of 11:00 a.m., the hurricane's center was positioned approximately 22 miles north of Punta Lucrecia in Holguín, with maximum sustained winds of 96 mph and moving northeast at 14 mph. These conditions are expected to maintain instability in the region despite the cyclone's rapid departure, according to the latest report from the Cuban Institute of Meteorology.

Heavy rainfall remains concentrated in the provinces of Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, where significant accumulations exceeding 4 inches are anticipated this afternoon.

The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources' network of rain gauges reports that around 69 stations have already surpassed 4 inches, with seven stations recording over 12 inches of rainfall, indicating intense downpours during Melissa’s passage through eastern Cuba.

Continued Weather Threats from Melissa

Although the system's center is moving offshore, strong winds, with gusts between 46 and 62 mph, may persist in the eastern provinces due to rainbands and thunderstorms.

At sea, heavy swells are expected to decrease along the southern coastlines of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo. However, significant wave heights, ranging from 13 to 20 feet with peaks up to 23 feet, will continue in the north, including in Camagüey. Moderate to severe coastal flooding is expected in low-lying areas of Holguín and Las Tunas.

Forecasts suggest that Melissa will maintain its current course and speed up in the coming hours, facilitating its departure from the archipelago. Nonetheless, moisture drawn from the Caribbean will continue to fuel showers and rain in eastern Cuba throughout the day, leading to unstable conditions until the system moves further away.

Broader Impact of Hurricane Melissa

According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, rainfall remains the primary threat to eastern Cuba, with totals potentially reaching up to 25 inches, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Intense rains are also reported in Hispaniola and Jamaica, particularly concerning the southwestern region of Haiti and southern Jamaica, where additional inches of rainfall could accumulate today. Authorities advise residents to remain in safe shelters while these conditions persist.

Melissa's projected path will take its center southeast of the Bahamas later today, bringing hurricane conditions to islands such as Crooked Island, Long Island, and Acklins, along with a storm surge of 4 to 7 feet above ground level near and to the right of where its center crosses the coast.

The southeast Bahamas can also expect 5 to 10 inches of rainfall, with potential for sudden flooding. The system's speed will increase overnight, expected to move away from the archipelago by early Thursday.

Looking beyond the Caribbean, forecasts indicate Melissa will accelerate northeastward and approach Bermuda between Thursday night and Friday, where a hurricane warning is already in effect, with possible hurricane conditions starting Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, in areas affected by eastern Cuba, dangerous conditions persist, including tropical storm-force winds, storm surge, river flooding, and saturated ground.