Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Cuba as Category 3 Storm

Hurricane Melissa's Landfall and Impact

• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southeastern Cuba near Chivirico early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm.
• ⚠️ This landfall occurred less than a day after Melissa impacted Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, one of the strongest on record.

Damage and Relief Efforts in Jamaica

• 💥 Extensive damage was reported in parts of Clarendon and St. Elizabeth, with the latter parish reportedly underwater.
• ✈️ The Jamaican government aims to open all airports by Thursday to facilitate the quick distribution of emergency relief supplies.
• 🏚️ Recovery efforts will be extensive, as many areas in Jamaica were left completely demolished.

Storm Path and Warnings

• 🗺️ Following its Cuba landfall, Melissa is expected to move into the Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas, and then towards Bermuda.
• 🚨 Hurricane warnings are in effect for eastern Cuba, Turks and Caicos, and parts of the southeastern Bahamas.
• ⚠️ Tropical storm warnings remain for Jamaica and Haiti, with a hurricane watch issued for Bermuda.

Rainfall and Storm Surge Forecast

• 🌧️ Cuba is expected to receive 10 to 20 inches of rainfall, with the Bahamas anticipating 5 to 10 inches.
• 🌊 A significant storm surge of 8 to 12 feet is expected in the immediate hours, followed by 2 to 4 feet for the southeastern Bahamas.
• ⚡ Damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall are the primary concerns over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Weather Outlook for South Florida

• ☀️ In contrast to the storm's impact zone, South Florida is experiencing fall-like weather with cooler temperatures.