Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Cuba After Striking Jamaica as Category 5 Storm

Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba

• 🎯 Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southeastern Cuba near Chivirico early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm.
• ⚠️ The powerful hurricane's impacts in Cuba cannot be avoided, despite hundreds of thousands evacuating.
• 🔍 The full magnitude of damage in Cuba will be assessed once daylight arrives.

Hurricane Melissa's Devastation in Jamaica

• ⚡ Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, with winds of 185 mph and torrential rain.
• 🌊 The storm brought a life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet, causing widespread damage.
• 🏘️ Significant damage was reported to schools, homes, hospitals, and commercial properties, particularly in St. Elizabeth, the country's breadbasket.
• 🆘 Rescues are underway in Manchester Parish for people trapped in a house.
• 🌴 Montego Bay experienced trees battered by heavy wind and rain.

Tourist Impact and International Response

• ✈️ Approximately 25,000 tourists were visiting Jamaica when the storm hit and were forced to ride it out.
• 🇺🇸 U.S. President Donald Trump stated he is prepared to send humanitarian aid to Jamaica, monitoring the situation closely.

Ongoing Coverage and Future Assessment

• 📰 Reports are still coming in, with new images expected as daylight reveals the full extent of the damage in both Jamaica and Cuba.
• 🛰️ The team is continuing coverage on Hurricane Melissa's path and its aftermath.