KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa, initially a formidable storm, has weakened to a Category 4 hurricane shortly after making landfall in Jamaica. The National Hurricane Center reported that as of 2:00 pm, the storm’s center was positioned near latitude 18.5 North, longitude 77.7 West. Melissa is currently advancing north-northeast at approximately 8 mph (13 km/h).
Meteorologists predict a shift toward the northeast with increased speed by Tuesday evening, accelerating further on Wednesday and Thursday. The storm’s core is expected to depart western Jamaica by Tuesday evening, subsequently traversing southeastern Cuba late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Melissa is then forecasted to move across the southeastern or central Bahamas later on Wednesday, potentially approaching Bermuda by Thursday night.
With maximum sustained winds nearing 145 mph (230 km/h) and higher gusts, Melissa remains a significant threat. It is anticipated to reach southeastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane and could maintain this intensity as it progresses through the southeastern Bahamas. NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft are scheduled to conduct investigations into Melissa on Tuesday evening.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 195 miles (315 km). The estimated minimum central pressure stands at 921 mb (27.20 inches). Authorities continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory and intensity closely, urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.