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The hurricane Melissa has further strengthened this afternoon, reaching maximum sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour, according to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States. With this figure, the phenomenon is confirmed as a Category 5 cyclone, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale, and the most powerful recorded in the Caribbean in decades.
At 2:00 PM (Eastern Time), Melissa's eye was located about 230 kilometers southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and 525 kilometers from Guantánamo, Cuba, moving slowly to the west-northwest at just 6 km/h.
Meteorological authorities anticipate that the hurricane will turn north in the coming hours, moving over Jamaica tonight and crossing southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night before heading towards the Bahamas.
The NHC warned that catastrophic winds, torrential rains, and flooding are expected in Jamaica and eastern Cuba. The system's minimum central pressure of 906 millibars confirms its exceptional intensity and destructive potential.
"Melissa will arrive in Jamaica and the southeast of Cuba as an extremely powerful hurricane," the report specified.
In Cuba, a hurricane warning is still in effect for the provinces of Camagüey, Las Tunas, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín, while Ciego de Ávila and Sancti Spíritus remain under a cyclone alert. The population is urged to immediately complete preparations to protect life and property, especially in coastal and mountainous areas.
Forecasts indicate rainfall accumulations of between 15 and 20 inches (38 to 50 cm) in eastern Cuba, with possibilities of landslides and flash floods. Additionally, there is a risk of storm surges of up to 11 feet (more than 3 meters) along the southeastern coast, accompanied by destructive waves.
Although the danger is high, meteorologists are urging everyone to remain calm and follow official guidance. In the coming days, Melissa could represent a challenging chapter for Jamaica and Cuba, but also a demonstration of resilience in communities accustomed to facing the forces of the Caribbean.
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