While the storm’s center remained hundreds of miles south of Florida, outer rainbands combined with high tide cycles to generate localized flooding along parts of the state’s Atlantic shoreline. Meteorologists warned that additional bands could reach the peninsula as Melissa advances, increasing the chance of further coastal flooding even if the system never crosses the Florida mainland.
The National Hurricane Center said on Tuesday that Melissa was moving northwest after passing over Jamaica and was expected to approach Cuba’s eastern provinces late in the day. Forecasters cautioned that heavy rain could trigger flash floods and mudslides in mountainous areas of both Cuba and The Bahamas. They also advised interests in the Florida Keys and South Florida to monitor updates in case the storm’s projected path shifts closer to the U.S. coast.
At the flooded Florida hotel, staff placed caution signs near slick floors and escorted guests through alternate hallways. Management stated that all guests received overnight accommodation adjustments, and housekeeping teams began sanitizing affected areas once the water receded. Structural engineers were called to inspect ground-floor electrical panels, the hotel added, noting that back-up generators remained ready should power lines be compromised by future squalls.
Elsewhere in the region, ports in Kingston and Montego Bay suspended cargo operations, and cruise ships scheduled to dock at Jamaican terminals were rerouted. Jamaica’s disaster management agency reported downed trees and scattered power outages but said no fatalities had been confirmed by midday Tuesday. Authorities planned an aerial survey of the hardest-hit parishes once wind conditions allowed helicopters to fly safely.
In Cuba, civil defense officials began moving residents from low-lying neighborhoods in Guantánamo and Holguín provinces to government shelters. The country’s state television urged families to secure water, food and medication supplies for at least 72 hours. The Bahamas’ meteorological service issued a similar advisory, telling residents to prepare for deteriorating weather later in the week.
Travel across the wider Caribbean faced significant disruption. Several airlines canceled or rerouted flights to Kingston, Montego Bay, Nassau and Havana, while ferry operators suspended service between the Bahamas’ Family Islands. Tourism boards in Jamaica and the Bahamas asked visitors to follow official guidance and verify flight status with carriers before heading to airports.
Florida’s Department of Transportation reported intermittent lane closures on coastal highways where standing water made driving hazardous. Local authorities in Palm Beach County placed portable message boards along State Road A1A warning motorists of possible road closures during high tides. Emergency operations centers remained at a monitoring level, with officials emphasizing that no evacuation orders had been issued for Florida communities as of Tuesday afternoon.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration maintains real-time storm tracking maps and safety resources for residents in potential impact zones. Additional information is available on the agency’s official website.
Meteorologists said the precise trajectory of Hurricane Melissa would become clearer once the storm exits Jamaica’s mountainous terrain and re-enters open water. Forecast models indicated a possible gradual turn toward the north, but confidence in long-range projections remained limited. As a result, emergency planners across the Caribbean and the southeastern United States continued to advise vigilance until the system either weakens over land or moves decisively away from populated areas.
Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live
