UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa has just made landfall in eastern Cuba near the city of Chivirico as a powerful Category 3 storm. Early reports from the U.S. National Hurricane Center confirm that Melissa, which previously devastated Jamaica, is now threatening Cuba with fierce winds and life-threatening flooding.
As of this morning, Melissa is packing top sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph) and is moving northeast at 12 mph (19 kph)—a serious concern for residents. Officials have evacuated hundreds of thousands of people to shelters across affected provinces, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas. A hurricane warning remains in effect, urging residents to remain sheltered and finalize preparations.
The storm made its first impact on Jamaica on Tuesday, where it wreaked havoc with winds reaching 185 mph (295 kph). Damage reports are pouring in, with extensive flooding and downed power lines affecting over 500,000 customers. The Jamaican government is working to reopen airports by Thursday to facilitate emergency relief efforts.
In Cuba, forecasters warn of severe rain and potential storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) that could lead to catastrophic flooding and landslides. Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, stated, “Numerous landslides are likely in those areas,” emphasizing the danger posed by this powerful storm.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the nation, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He said, “There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be a lot of damage,” assuring the public that “no one is left behind” and that resources would be deployed to safeguard lives. Authorities are particularly concerned about the storm complicating an already challenging economic crisis in Cuba, which has faced prolonged power outages and shortages.
Classes have been suspended from Guantánamo in the east to Camagüey in central Cuba as the nation braces for the full impact of Hurricane Melissa. The storm is expected to weaken as it passes through Cuba but is forecasted to retain its strength as it moves toward the southeastern and central Bahamas later today.
Officials are monitoring the situation closely as Melissa is projected to approach Bermuda by late Thursday, where a hurricane watch is currently in effect. The continuing rain is expected to exacerbate flooding risks, making this a crucial time for residents to stay vigilant.
With the hurricane already blamed for seven deaths across the Caribbean—including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic—this storm poses a grave threat to life and property. The situation is evolving rapidly, and updates will continue to emerge as the storm progresses.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as Hurricane Melissa continues to impact the region.
