The powerful Hurricane Melissa is currently moving across eastern Cuba. According to the latest update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), it is anticipated that in the coming hours, Melissa will exit Cuban territory via the northeastern coast. The storm is charting a course towards the southeastern Bahamas, maintaining its strength as a formidable hurricane.
As of 8:00 a.m. Miami time, the eye of Melissa was positioned at 20.6°N and 75.7°W, approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Guantánamo and 335 kilometers south of the central Bahamas. The hurricane is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h with higher gusts.
The system is advancing in a north-northeast direction (30°) at a speed of 22 km/h, with a central pressure measured at 968 millibars, based on the intermediate advisory number 32A.
Forecasted Path and Potential Impact
Projections suggest that Melissa will venture out to sea north of Holguín province by late morning or early afternoon, subsequently moving over the southeastern Bahamas and nearing Bermuda between Thursday night and early Friday morning.
A Persistent Threat
Though Melissa has somewhat diminished in intensity from the extreme Category 3 level at landfall, it still generates hurricane-force winds extending 45 kilometers from the center and tropical storm-force winds reaching out as far as 295 kilometers.
The NHC warns of continued heavy rainfall and hazardous storm surges, particularly in the mountainous regions of eastern Cuba and along the northern coast. Since Tuesday, rainfall has exceeded 250 mm in Santiago de Cuba and surpassed 300 mm in parts of the Sierra Maestra. In Holguín and Guantánamo, totals could reach up to 500 mm before the storm fully departs.
These torrential rains, coupled with rugged terrain, heighten the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Warnings and Alerts
The American agency maintains hurricane warnings for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas, as well as for the southeastern and central Bahamas. Tropical storm alerts are also in effect for Camagüey, Haiti, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Coastal Threats and Surge Risks
The NHC cautions that a storm surge of up to 2.4 meters could impact low-lying areas along the northeastern coast, causing minor coastal flooding in bays and inlets. In the Bahamas, wave heights could reach up to 3 meters.
Dangerous rip currents and marine conditions will persist along the Cuban coast for the next 24 hours.
On Tuesday, Melissa reached historic levels as a Category 5 hurricane with winds nearing 300 km/h. As it gradually moves away from Cuba, it leaves behind catastrophic rainfall, structural damage, and widespread power outages across much of the eastern part of the country.
Key Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact and Path
What areas are currently under hurricane warnings due to Melissa?
Hurricane warnings are in effect for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas, as well as for the southeastern and central Bahamas.
What is the expected path of Hurricane Melissa?
Melissa is expected to move out to sea north of Holguín province, head over the southeastern Bahamas, and approach Bermuda between Thursday night and early Friday morning.
What are the potential dangers associated with Hurricane Melissa?
Melissa poses risks of heavy rainfall, dangerous storm surges, flash floods, and landslides, especially in eastern Cuba and along the northern coast. Coastal flooding and hazardous marine conditions are also expected.