LIVE: Hurricane Melissa Takes Aim at Bermuda After Leaving Trail of Destruction Across the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa continued its deadly march across the Atlantic early Thursday, strengthening once again as it speeds toward Bermuda after devastating Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. The storm, now packing winds of 105 mph, is expected to bring hurricane conditions to Bermuda later today and tonight, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Melissa has already left widespread destruction in its wake. The hurricane slammed into Jamaica on Tuesday as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the strongest ever recorded on the island, before crossing eastern Cuba and unleashing severe flooding across Haiti. At least seven people have died in Jamaica, while officials in Haiti confirm more than 40 fatalities as torrential rains continue.

Across Cuba, hundreds of thousands remain in shelters as floodwaters slowly recede, while in the Bahamas, authorities say flooding is easing after days of relentless wind and rain. The NHC reports that Melissa could strengthen slightly today before moving into cooler waters and transitioning into a powerful post-tropical cyclone by the weekend.

Key Developments

• Bermuda braces for impact: Hurricane-force winds up to 105 mph are expected tonight as Melissa’s core passes just northwest of the island.

• Bahamas flooding eases: Flooding from storm surge and rain is beginning to subside in the southeastern Bahamas, though an additional inch of rain is possible.

• Haiti and Hispaniola battered: Rainfall totals in southern Hispaniola have reached up to 40 inches, triggering flash flooding and landslides.

• Cuba and Jamaica recovery ongoing: Cleanup is underway, but officials warn that contaminated water, heat exhaustion, and unsafe generator use remain life-threatening risks.

• Forecast: Melissa is expected to maintain strength through Thursday before weakening Friday as it tracks northeast into the open Atlantic.