Breaking News: Hurricane Melissa Reaches Category 4 Strength in the Caribbean
A powerful and potentially catastrophic storm is unfolding in the Caribbean as Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 4 hurricane. According to the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa’s maximum sustained winds have reached an alarming 140 miles per hour, with higher gusts.
Forecast Path:
The NHC has released an updated forecast track for Hurricane Melissa, which suggests that the storm is likely to continue its west-northwestward motion over the next 48 hours. The predicted path indicates that Melissa will pass near or over several islands in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
Here is the latest forecast map:
- Current Location: 18.5°N, 68.5°W (approximately 200 miles southeast of the Bahamas)
- Forecast Track:
- 24 hours: Melissa is expected to pass near the southern Bahamas, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region.
- 48 hours: The storm is forecast to move northwestward, potentially making landfall in Haiti or the Dominican Republic.
- 72 hours: Melissa is expected to continue its northwestward motion, potentially affecting the southeastern United States.
Warning and Watches:
Hurricane warnings and watches have been issued for several islands in the Caribbean, including:
- Hurricane Warning: Bahamas, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic
- Hurricane Watch: Cuba, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands
Preparations and Safety:
Residents in the affected areas are urged to take immediate action to protect themselves and their property. This includes:
- Boarding up windows and doors
- Stocking up on food, water, and emergency supplies
- Evacuating to safe zones or shelters
- Avoiding travel and staying indoors during the storm
Stay Tuned for Updates:
The situation with Hurricane Melissa is rapidly evolving, and it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments. We will provide regular updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents in the affected areas should monitor local news and follow evacuation orders from authorities to ensure their safety.