As Hurricane Melissa intensifies in the Caribbean, Guantánamo Bay Naval Station has begun evacuating non-essential U.S. citizens ahead of the storm’s potential impact. The hurricane, now a powerful Category 4, is expected to strengthen into a Category 5 before striking parts of Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
Evacuations Underway at Guantánamo Bay
In a statement posted to Facebook, officials at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, confirmed that non-mission-essential personnel and their families would be evacuated as early as Saturday afternoon and no later than Sunday morning.
“Please prepare your belongings. Ensure you have two weeks’ worth of clothing and medication (as required). Personnel will be notified. Each individual will be allowed one 40-pound bag and a carry-on item,” the post read.
Evacuees were also advised to stay tuned for updates on social media, the base’s giant voice system, and through official base communications. Pet owners were reminded to obtain travel orders before visiting the veterinary clinic for assistance.
Hurricane Melissa: A Growing Threat
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Melissa is centered about 110 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and approximately 280 miles south-southwest of Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The storm’s maximum sustained winds are estimated at 140 mph (220 km/h), with the system drifting west at just 3 mph (5 km/h) — a dangerously slow pace that increases flooding risks.
“Conditions in Jamaica are going to go down rapidly today,” said Jamie Rhome, NHC Deputy Director. “Be ready to ride this out for several days.”
The NHC warned that Melissa could dump 20–30 inches of rain across Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with isolated totals up to 40 inches, triggering catastrophic flooding and landslides.
Expected Impacts
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Jamaica: Direct hit expected late Monday into Tuesday, with life-threatening flooding, storm surge, and winds exceeding 140 mph.
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Cuba: Guantánamo and the eastern provinces could experience up to 12 inches of rain and severe wind damage as the storm moves northward by late Tuesday.
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Bahamas: Projected to feel strong tropical storm to hurricane conditions by Wednesday.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said a hurricane watch is in effect for parts of Cuba, which may be upgraded to a warning later Sunday as the storm continues to intensify.
Why It Matters
Meteorologists warn that Melissa’s slow movement and rapid intensification create a worst-case scenario for the northern Caribbean. The storm’s prolonged rainfall, combined with storm surge and hurricane-force winds, could cause severe infrastructure damage, power outages, and isolation of entire communities across the region.
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