I can help with the latest on Hurricane Melissa, but I don’t have live data access in this reply. Here’s how to interpret current forecasts and what to expect based on authoritative sources up to now: Direct answer
- As of the most recent advisories, Hurricane Melissa has been extremely powerful and slow-moving, leading to prolonged exposure to damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening storm surge in affected regions. The exact duration of its strongest conditions varies by location, but the storm’s slow movement means impacts can persist for many hours to a couple of days in each landfall region before it weakens or moves offshore. For Jamaica, eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, residents should expect multi-day hazards associated with core tropical-storm to hurricane-force winds, extreme rainfall totals, and surges that can cause widespread flooding and mudslides. Always follow local emergency management instructions and official updates for durations of specific hazards at your location.
Context and what to watch
- Path and timing: The storm’s trajectory has taken it from Jamaica toward eastern Cuba and then toward the Bahamas, with potential impacts continuing northeastward toward Bermuda. The timing of landfalls and peak winds shifts as forecasts are updated, but multiple days of dangerous conditions are typical given the storm’s slow pace. Check your national meteorological service or the official National Hurricane Center advisories for hourly timing in your area.
- Impacts to expect: The combination of extreme rainfall (often tens of inches in hardest-hit areas), storm surge (potentially double-digit feet in vulnerable coastlines), and sustained hurricane winds can cause catastrophic flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. The strongest winds can occur during landfall and may persist for several hours while the storm lingers near shore.
- Protective actions: If you’re in the forecast cone or under warnings, prepare for extended power outages, evacuation orders, and ongoing risk from floods and landslides. Secure outdoor items, stock emergency supplies, and have a plan to seek higher ground if flash floods or storm surge threaten your area.
Notes on uncertainty
- Forecasts for rapidly changing tropical cyclones can shift significantly as new observations come in. The precise duration of hurricane-force conditions in any given location depends on the storm’s speed, size, and eventual land interaction. Rely on the latest advisories from official agencies for the most accurate timing and durations.
If you’d like, I can summarize the latest official advisories for your specific location (city or region) and give you a concise list of expected time windows for winds, rain, and surge, along with recommended actions.
