Tropical storm Melissa will generate swells in the eastern region of Cuba in the coming days

The Tropical Storm Melissa continues to move slowly through the central Caribbean Sea and could generate swells and strong waves in eastern Cuba in the coming days, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States.

In its bulletin at 5:00 p.m. this Wednesday, the NHC indicated that Melissa is located at 14.4 degrees North latitude and 74.3 degrees West longitude, about 480 kilometers southeast of Kingston (Jamaica) and 515 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince (Haiti).

Melissa is expected to continue strengthening over the next 48 hours and could reach hurricane status by Friday as it approaches Jamaica and the southwest of Haiti.

The report warns that the swells generated by the storm will begin to be felt in Hispaniola, Jamaica, and eastern Cuba in the coming days, causing rough seas, rip currents, and possible coastal flooding in low-lying areas.

Authorities advise the public and small vessels to stay informed and exercise increased caution along the southeastern coast of Cuba.

The system maintains maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts, and a central pressure of 1000 millibars.

It is moving west-northwest at just 4 km/h, which increases the risk of rainfall accumulation and prolonged swells in coastal areas.

The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for the southwest of Haiti, from the border with the Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince, and a tropical storm watch for Jamaica.

The report also indicates that Melissa will bring heavy rainfall to the south of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica, with totals ranging from 125 to 250 millimeters, and locally higher amounts that could cause flash floods and landslides.

The National Hurricane Center will issue a new complete report on the system at 11:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

The Forecast Center of the Meteorological Institute (INSMET) of Cuba issued its Tropical Cyclone Warning No. 3 on Wednesday morning, alerting that Melissa poses a “potential threat” to the island, making it essential to closely monitor its development.

In this regard, the Civil Defense of Cuba issued a and emphasized the need for the eastern and central provinces of the country to maintain strict vigilance over the possible trajectory and development of the system.