Hurricane Melissa is expected to continue its assault on Jamaica for several more hours as it moves northward, eventually entering the Caribbean Sea.

Next on Melissa’s path is Cuba, which is bracing for the storm’s impact. The hurricane is anticipated to strike the southeastern part of the island overnight, likely a few hours past midnight local time (3pm AEDT). It is projected to make landfall as either a Category 4 or a strong Category 3 hurricane.

Already, Cuba is experiencing heavy rainfall, and some coastal regions are feeling tropical storm-force winds. Hurricane-force winds are predicted to hit later in the day, persisting throughout the night. These powerful winds are expected to produce a dangerous storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters), especially in areas near the landfall.

As Melissa progresses, it will pass over Cuba in the early hours of Wednesday morning, continuing its journey into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after sunrise.

The hurricane’s trajectory will then direct it through the central and southeastern Bahamas.

By then, Melissa might be downgraded to a Category 3 or a strong Category 2 hurricane. Nevertheless, the storm will still pose significant threats, including heavy rains that could lead to flash floods and landslides, as well as destructive winds and perilous storm surges.

Melissa will really start picking up forward speed Wednesday evening and will begin to race north-eastward. The hurricane could pass near Bermuda by Thursday night and deliver a quick dose of drenching rain and strong winds.