Hurricane Melissa has made landfall on the western coast of Cuba, striking the island as a powerful Category 2 storm with destructive winds and torrential rain. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm’s eye came ashore in the Pinar del Río province, a region renowned for its tobacco fields, bringing sustained winds of over 160 km/h (100 mph).
This comes after Hurricane Melissa carved a path of destruction across Jamaica, leaving behind significant flooding and landslides. Emergency crews in Cuba are now responding to the immediate impacts, including a dangerous storm surge that is inundating low-lying coastal communities.
Jamaica Assesses Damage After Melissa’s Fury
Just 24 hours ago, Jamaica was in the direct path of the storm. Major cities like the capital, Kingston, and tourist hubs such as Montego Bay were battered by relentless rainfall. Initial reports from the island paint a grim picture of washed-out roads, overflowing rivers, and thousands of residents displaced by rising floodwaters.
“We have seen storms, but this was different. The rain just did not stop,” a resident from St. Catherine Parish told a local news outlet. “The river became the road in a matter of minutes. We grabbed what we could and ran for higher ground.”
Jamaican authorities report widespread power outages and are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage to infrastructure and agriculture. The primary focus remains on rescue operations and delivering aid to the hardest-hit areas.
Category 2 Hurricane Slams into Western Cuba
Cuban authorities initiated mass evacuations of tens of thousands of people from vulnerable coastal areas ahead of the storm. State media has been broadcasting continuous warnings, urging citizens to take shelter.
“All protocols have been activated,” stated a spokesperson for Cuba‘s Civil Defense. “Our primary objective is the preservation of life. We have moved people, livestock, and secured our vital tobacco crops as best as we can. But a storm of this magnitude will test our resolve.”
The storm surge remains a primary concern, with forecasts predicting a rise in sea level of up to 11 feet. This poses a catastrophic threat to fragile coastal towns and ecosystems in Hurricane Melissa‘s path.
Florida on High Alert as Melissa Tracks Toward US
Hurricane Melissa‘s journey is not over. After crossing Cuba, the storm is forecast to move over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where it could potentially regain strength. The NHC’s “cone of uncertainty” currently places the state of Florida in its potential path.
In response, the Governor of Florida has declared a state of emergency for several Gulf Coast counties, urging residents to finalize their preparations. Reports from cities like Tampa and Key West show residents stocking up on water, batteries, and non-perishable food.
This is a developing story. Stay with us for continuous live updates on Hurricane Melissa‘s path, its impact on Cuba, and the latest preparations in the United States.
