Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, is forecast to cross eastern Cuba as early as the evening of October 28, according to a weather alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Havana. The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Las Tunas. Cuban authorities have also issued hurricane warnings and alerts for several other provinces.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in eastern Cuba on October 28, with hurricane conditions anticipated later that night into the morning of October 29. The Cuban government has started evacuating residents from coastal areas in the affected provinces.
The embassy warns of an increased risk of significant storm surge along the southeast coast of Cuba late Tuesday or Wednesday, with peak heights possibly reaching between seven and eleven feet. Rainfall totals could reach up to 25 inches in some locations, raising concerns about flash flooding and landslides. The alert notes that deteriorating infrastructure—including a fragile power grid—may hinder emergency response efforts during and after the hurricane.
Cuba’s Ministry of Transportation has suspended train, bus, and flight services in the eastern region due to risks associated with Hurricane Melissa. Airspace at Antonio Maceo International Airport (Santiago de Cuba) and Frank Pais International Airport (Holguin) will remain closed from October 28 through October 30. Other airports in Manzanillo (Granma), Baracoa (Guantánamo), and possibly Camagüey may also be affected depending on the storm’s path.
"This is a dangerous storm. U.S. citizens potentially in the path of the hurricane who have no means of leaving must shelter in place and follow the directives of Cuban Civil Defense," stated the U.S. Embassy alert. "Factor Cuba’s lack of health and emergency infrastructure, including an unreliable power grid, in your preparations."
The embassy advises Americans to consider their personal security situation before attempting travel within or departing from Cuba, noting that shelters may face supply issues and that infrastructure problems could affect much of the island.
U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance can contact the embassy at +(53) (7) 839-4100 or email acshavana@state.gov.
The public is encouraged to monitor updates on Hurricane Melissa through local media and official sources such as the National Hurricane Center.