Update on Hurricane Melissa

6:30 AM Update on Hurricane Melissa by the C.I. National Weather Service

The National Hurricane Center continues its advisories on recently upgraded Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa continues to move westward now at 3 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 160mph. A slow turn towards the northwest and north is anticipated over the next 24 hours, making landfall on the south coast of Jamaica by Tuesday morning and emerging off the north coast by that afternoon.  Hurricane Melissa is then expected to accelerate towards the north-east, crossing south-eastern Cuba and into the Atlantic Ocean thereafter.

We continue to closely monitor the system and its influences on weather conditions across the Cayman Islands.

A Small Craft Alert is currently in effect, with a Marine Watch to be in effect from this evening. Mariners are advised to be cautious and secure their vessels as marine conditions are expected to deteriorate further as Hurricane Melissa moves along the projected path.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to monitor official channels closely for any updates, potential impacts, or advisories for the Cayman Islands.

The next update will be provided at 10:30 AM.

For the latest updates on Hurricane Melissa, visit www.weather.gov.ky and www.caymanprepared.ky.