Hurricane Melissa
- Category 2
Hurricane Melissa is currently located about 605 miles southwest of Bermuda and is moving north-northeast at 21 mph. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, and a Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bermuda. Melissa is expected to pass northwest of Bermuda later today and tonight, with little change in strength today and weakening likely to begin on Friday. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 60 miles from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching up to 195 miles.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in Bermuda later today, with hurricane conditions expected tonight. Additional rain is expected in the Southeastern Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and southern Hispaniola, with potential flooding impacts. Coastal flooding from storm surge is possible in Bermuda, and swells generated by the storm will affect several areas, causing life-threatening surf and rip currents. Residents should monitor local products issued by national meteorological services.
Hurricane Melissa has emerged as a formidable force in the Atlantic, drawing significant attention with its unprecedented strength and trajectory. Peering through the satellite imagery, experts have been able to capture striking visuals of the hurricane's eye, showcasing its immense power as it continues on its path. The hurricane has intensified into a Category 5 storm, with wind speeds surpassing 180 mph. Early projections suggest that Melissa could be one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Caribbean and southeastern U.S. coast in recent years.
Communities in Jamaica and Cuba are bracing for impact as Hurricane Melissa barrels towards them, prompting evacuations and urgent preparations. These regions are expected to experience heavy rainfall, storm surges, and potentially life-threatening flooding. This dangerous combination has been exacerbated by warm ocean waters and optimal atmospheric conditions, contributing to the storm's rapid intensification. Authorities are on high alert, coordinating rescue and relief operations while urging residents to follow safety protocols as the storm approaches.
Hurricane Melissa is located near 25.8N 73.4W, approximately 190 nm northeast of the Central Bahamas, moving north-northeast at 18 kt. It has maximum sustained winds of 90 kt with gusts up to 110 kt and an estimated minimum central pressure of 968 mb. Peak seas are around 40 ft. The hurricane is expected to pass northwest of Bermuda later today, with slight strengthening possible before weakening starts on Friday. Coastal flooding from storm surge is a concern for onshore winds areas in Bermuda.
Swells from Melissa will affect Hispaniola, Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, spreading towards Bermuda later today, creating life-threatening surf and rip currents. Local weather offices should be consulted for up-to-date information.
A cold front extends from Cape Coral, Florida to western Cuba, followed by fresh to strong N to NW winds and rough seas, which are expected to diminish by this evening. A separate cold front may enter the NW Gulf on Sunday. Elsewhere in the Caribbean, moderate to fresh winds are being influenced by Melissa and incoming weather fronts, with conditions expected to change over the weekend. Overall, Melissa will continue to impact weather conditions across affected areas in the region.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2025.
Named Storms: 13 to 19
Hurricanes: 6 to 10
Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 3 to 5
Accumulate Cyclone Energy (ACE): 95% to 180% of the median
This forecast indicates a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30Key: Active Past Future
*Press/click the storm name to view additional details2020 - 30 named storms, 14 hurricanes
Hurricane Katrina (2005) - $125 billion
Harvey (2017) - $125 billion
Hurricane Patricia (2015) - 215 mph (345 km/h)
Hurricane Allen (1980) - 190 mph (305 km/h)
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating system that classifies hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds and the potential damage they can cause. It helps communicate the intensity of hurricanes and the likely impacts on structures and environments. The scale does not account for factors like storm surge or rainfall, focusing only on wind speeds.
Watching the Tropics was originally built as a personal storm tracker with only the most important charts for the Atlantic hurricane basin. Numerous sites are available for tracking hurricanes, but Watching the Tropics minimizes extra "noise" and shows only what you need.
Designed in Florida by
"Watching the tropics" refers to monitoring tropical weather systems, such as tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes, in regions close to the equator. Meteorologists and weather enthusiasts often use this phrase during hurricane season to indicate that they're keeping an eye on developing weather systems that could potentially strengthen and impact areas like the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean.
Websites, news outlets, or weather services also use "Tropics Watch" to keep the public informed about the latest developments in the tropics, especially during peak hurricane season.
An "invest" refers to an area of disturbed weather that meteorologists are investigating for potential tropical development. The term "invest" is short for "investigation area."
When an area is designated as an invest, it is given a number (between 90 and 99) followed by the letter "L" for systems in the North Atlantic or "E" for systems in the Eastern Pacific. For example, "Invest 91L" would refer to the 91st area of interest in the Atlantic basin for that season.
The designation of an invest allows meteorologists to focus their resources on a specific area, utilize specialized forecasting models, and issue updates as needed.
A tropical depression is a type of tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of less than 39 mph (34 knots or 63 km/h).
Key characteristics:
It's the first stage of development in the tropical cyclone classification used by the National Hurricane Center, followed by tropical storm and then hurricane.
