Hurricane Melissa targets Jamaica
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The storm made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm and is expected to still be a major hurricane when it reaches eastern Cuba.
Cuba is next in line for Hurricane Melissa’s fury. Landfall is expected very early Wednesday morning, but impacts have already begun.
As Melissa churns to the north-northeast impacts will overspread parts of Cuba and the Bahamas. Here is a snapshot of the GRAF forecast model around midday Wednesday. The storm will still be a hurricane as it races across several islands in the Bahamas.
Historic, life-threatening flash flooding and landslides are expected in portions of Jamaica, southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic through the weekend, the NHC said. Peak storm surge heights could reach 9 to 13 feet above normal tide levels in Jamaica, accompanied by large and powerfully destructive waves.
Hurricane Melissa is expected to hit eastern Cuba after passing Jamaica. NBC News’ Ed Augustin reports on how the island is dealing with power cuts, food shortages and an outbreak of tropical diseases as the storm approaches.