Hurricane Melissa Strikes Cuba After Devastating Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, following its historic Category 5 impact on Jamaica. Cuban authorities evacuated over 735,000 residents ahead of the storm, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel urging citizens to remain vigilant. Forecasters warned of catastrophic damage in Santiago de Cuba and surrounding areas.

In Jamaica, Melissa's 185 mph winds caused extensive damage, including power outages affecting more than half a million people and significant structural damage. Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged the widespread devastation and emphasized the nation's commitment to rebuilding.

The storm is expected to continue its path through the Bahamas later on Wednesday, with warnings of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has advised residents in the storm's path to take necessary precautions.

Melissa's rapid intensification from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane has been linked to unusually warm ocean temperatures, a phenomenon associated with climate change. This rapid strengthening complicates forecasting and emergency planning efforts.