Cat. 4 Melissa takes aim at Cuba and the...

After briefly weakening to a Cat. 3 following its track across western Jamaica, Melissa has restrengthened. It will make landfall in Cuba in the next several hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 130 mph with higher gusts. Melissa is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across Cuba, the Bahamas, and near Bermuda.

Melissa was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica's history.

With sustained winds of 185 mph and a central pressure of 892 mb, Melissa made landfall at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. It marked the third strongest hurricane in terms of central pressure and second strongest on record in terms of wind speed in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf since records began in 1851.

Melissa is moving toward the northeast near 9 mph. A faster northeastward motion is expected during the next few days.

On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to move over eastern Cuba later tonight and early Wednesday morning, move across the southeastern or central Bahamas later on Wednesday, and approach Bermuda Thursday and Thursday night.

Eastern Cuba:

Life-threatening storm surge, flash flooding and landslides, and extremely damaging hurricane winds are likely through Wednesday morning. Seek safe shelter now.

Southeast and Central Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos:

Hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall are expected across portions of the southeastern and central Bahamas on Wednesday. Complete preparations by tonight and follow local official guidance. Tropical storm conditions, heavy rains, and significant storm surge are expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday.

Bermuda:

Hurricane conditions and heavy rainfall are possible in Bermuda beginning Thursday or Thursday night, where a Hurricane Watch is in effect.

Jamaica:

Although Melissa is pulling away from the island, deadly hazards remain including downed power lines and flooded areas. Ensure generators are properly ventilated and placed outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are cleaning up storm damage, be careful when using chainsaws and power tools, and drink plenty of water to avoid heat exhaustion.

Haiti and the Dominican Republic:

Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are expected across southwestern Haiti and southern portions of the Dominican Republic during the next day or so. In Haiti, extensive damage and isolation of communities is likely. Tropical storm conditions are expected into Wednesday.

Warnings and watches in effect

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas
* Southeastern and Central Bahamas

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Bermuda

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Jamaica
* Haiti
* Cuban province of Camaguey
* Turks and Caicos Islands