Overview
- The National Hurricane Center began advisories at 11 a.m. EDT after the system strengthened over the central Caribbean.
- Melissa was centered near 14.3°N, 71.7°W with maximum sustained winds around 85 km/h and was moving west near 22 km/h, with a gradual turn to the northwest and north expected in the next few days.
- Authorities urged people in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Cuba to track the storm because heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and rough surf are possible later this week.
- Mexican agencies said the storm is about 1,875 km east-southeast of Quintana Roo and poses no direct threat to Mexico, though increased moisture is bringing rain and higher surf to the Yucatán Peninsula.
- Forecasters expect gradual strengthening, and some meteorologists say Melissa could reach hurricane intensity, though the intensity and track forecasts remain uncertain; Mexico is also monitoring a separate Pacific low off Guerrero with 20% short-term and 70% seven-day development odds that could become Sonia.