Latest on Hurricane Melissa (Friday Morning Update)

Recent satellite images show that Melissa is rapidly losing tropical characteristics as it moves northeast over the western Atlantic. Winds have weakened to 80 mph, and the storm is expected to complete its transition into a powerful extratropical cyclone later today.

Melissa is moving away from Bermuda at nearly 40 mph. Large swells from the system are spreading across much of the western Atlantic, creating hazardous marine conditions. The center of post-tropical Melissa is expected to pass near, but just south of, Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula late tonight, bringing the potential for gusty winds and heavy rainfall there.

Key Points:
• Melissa is transitioning into a hurricane-force extratropical cyclone.
• Swells and rough surf will continue across the western Atlantic.
• Gusty winds over Bermuda will gradually subside this morning.
• Flooding from earlier heavy rains across Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola could persist for another day or two.

Stay alert for marine hazards and follow official updates from the National Hurricane Center.