Hurricane Melissa Intensifies, Evacuations Underway at Guantánamo Bay
As Hurricane Melissa strengthens into a major Category 4 hurricane, preparations are underway at Guantánamo Bay to evacuate non-mission-essential U.S. citizens. The Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, announced on Facebook that non-mission-essential U.S. citizens will be moving off the island as early as Saturday afternoon and no later than Sunday morning.
Preparations and Instructions
The Naval Station has instructed individuals to prepare their belongings, ensuring they have two weeks’ worth of clothing and medication. Each individual will be allowed one 40-pound bag and a carry-on item. Personnel will be notified, and those traveling with pets must have their orders in hand prior to visiting the Veterinary Clinic. Stay connected to social media for more information, listen to the giant voice, and stay safe.
The Latest on Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa strengthened into a major Category 4 hurricane, with the possibility of intensifying to a Category 5 storm Sunday night. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned that Melissa is likely to reach the southern coast of Jamaica as a major hurricane late Monday or Tuesday morning, and urged people on the island to seek shelter immediately.
Expected Damage and Rainfall
Melissa is expected to drop torrential rains of up to 30 inches (760 millimeters) on Jamaica and southern Hispaniola — Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Some areas may see as much as 40 inches (1,010 millimeters) of rain. The hurricane center warned that extensive damage to infrastructure, power and communication outages, and the isolation of communities in Jamaica were to be expected.
Forecast and Warning
Melissa was centered about 110 miles (180 kilometers) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 280 miles (445 kilometers) south-southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, on Sunday morning. It had maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph) and was moving west at 3 mph (5 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center said on Sunday that the hurricane watch for Cuba could be upgraded to a warning later on Sunday.
Conclusion
As Hurricane Melissa continues to intensify, it is essential for individuals in the affected areas to take necessary precautions and follow evacuation instructions. With expected torrential rains and catastrophic flooding, it is crucial to prioritize safety and stay informed about the latest updates from the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
