WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Melissa made a second landfall in eastern Cuba near Chivirico just after 3 a.m. Wednesday as a major Category 3 hurricane.
Melissa is now moving away from Cuba and towards the central and SE Bahamas. Melissa is currently a Category 2 hurricane. Hurricane-force winds and heavy rains are causing widespread flooding and an elevated risk of landslides both Cuba and the Bahamas.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
The storm is expected to accelerate northeastward over the next several days, carrying its core over portions of the southeastern and central Bahamas later Wednesday.
Hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall are expected across parts of the southeastern and central Bahamas through the afternoon. The Turks and Caicos Islands are forecast to see tropical-storm conditions with heavy rain and significant storm surge Wednesday.
The storm’s center is expected to pass to the west of Bermuda late Thursday and into Thursday night, putting the island on alert. Hurricane conditions and heavy rainfall were possible in Bermuda beginning Thursday or Thursday night.
Residents in affected areas are urged to secure property, follow local evacuation orders and heed guidance from emergency officials. Coastal communities are warned to prepare for dangerous storm surge that could inundate low-lying areas.
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Portions of this story were assisted by artificial intelligence tools and reviewed by a WPTV journalist to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.
