The tropical storm is advancing slowly over warm waters of the central Caribbean, in favorable conditions to intensify, while Cuba maintains close monitoring for its possible impact.
MADRID, Spain.- The Cuban Meteorological Institute (INSMET) reported in its Tropical Cyclone Warning No. 3 that Tropical Storm Melissa continues to move over the waters of the central Caribbean Sea with little change in its intensity, although its structure has become better organized in recent hours. The system represents a potential danger for the geographic area of Cuba, according to the Forecast Center.
At 6:00 in the morning, the center of Melissa was located at 14.3 degrees North latitude and 73.6 degrees West longitude, a position that places it about 495 kilometers south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The meteorological phenomenon maintains maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h and higher gusts, with a central pressure at 1000 hPa, slightly lower than that recorded the previous day.
Melissa is currently moving west-northwest at 11 km/h, although it has reduced its travel speed. The forecast indicates that in the next few hours the system will gradually tilt its path to the northwest and then north-northwest, remaining over warm waters of the central Caribbean. Oceanic and atmospheric conditions are favorable for gradual intensification in the coming days.
INSMET pointed out that, although Melissa does not currently constitute a direct threat to Cuba, its position, the slowness of its movement and the time of year justify close monitoring of its evolution and future trajectory. The storm surges and rains associated with the system could reach eastern Cuba in the next two days, depending on its evolution and trajectory.
Meteorological authorities urge the population to stay informed through official warnings, especially in coastal areas in the east of the country, given the possibility of high waves, dangerous currents and increased rainfall.
The tropical storm was formed this Tuesday, October 21 from an active tropical wave in the central Caribbean. Since then, it has generated areas of intense rain and storm surge that extend over the central-eastern region of the Caribbean Sea, including the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Melissa is advancing over warm waters that, at this stage of the cyclonic season, significantly favor the strengthening of tropical systems. Although there is uncertainty about its exact movement, it is expected that it could reach hurricane status in the coming days.
