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A tropical storm warning has been issued in waters surrounding parts of Florida, as Hurricane Melissa moves northeast in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm, currently northeast of Jamaica, is generating strong winds and rough seas that are expected to impact Florida’s Panhandle and southeast coast, the National Weather Service (NWS) said in a Wednesday morning update. The NWS warned that tropical storm conditions are possible in the Atlantic waters off Florida’s east coast and the northern Bahamas, with winds of 15 to 20 mph in the morning, increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon and seas building to 5 to 7 feet. Minor saltwater flooding is expected across low-lying areas of the Florida Keys, including streets, lots and some storm drains. Boaters may see reduced clearance under fixed bridges. Drivers are advised not to attempt crossing flooded roadways. Mariners should remain in port or seek safe harbor, as conditions could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Offshore waters will be hit by persistent tropical storm–force winds, building seas, and scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, according to the NWS. The agency also warned mariners should adjust their plans, secure their vessels and avoid travel over open water until conditions improve. Forecasters said that while the center of Hurricane Melissa will remain east of Florida, its outer bands will produce high waves and strong winds, gradually subsiding over the weekend. Residents along the coast should monitor local authorities, follow emergency instructions, and avoid venturing into the surf. The National Hurricane Center's 5am ET update stated that Melissa, now inland over eastern Cuba, is continuing to batter the region with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. The storm made landfall near Chivirico, Santiago de Cuba, around 3:10am, with estimated sustained winds of 115 mph, slightly weaker than earlier measurements of 120 mph, due to interaction with Cuba’s rugged terrain. Outer rainbands are also affecting parts of Haiti, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Melissa is moving northeast at 12 mph, guided by an upper-level trough over the southeastern US and a subtropical ridge over the central Atlantic. The hurricane is expected to accelerate northeastward today, bringing its core over the southeastern and central Bahamas later in the day. Forecast models have predicted that Melissa will pass west of Bermuda late Thursday and Thursday night, maintaining hurricane strength during its closest approach. The storm is expected to weaken gradually over the next few days due to cooler ocean waters, drier air, and increasing wind shear. Melissa is likely to remain a hurricane near Bermuda but is expected to lose its tropical characteristics and become an extratropical cyclone by Friday night or early Saturday. The NWS has issued Small Craft Advisories across Florida waters, including Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach, Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach, Flagler Beach to Jupiter Inlet, and Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound and Tampa Bay. Winds are expected from 23 to 29 mph with gusts up to 29 mph, and seas will range from 4 to 8 feet through early Friday. These conditions are hazardous for small boats, and inexperienced mariners are strongly advised to stay out of the water. The NWS also warned locals of dangerous rip currents along coastal Collier, Palm Beach, Broward, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin and southern Brevard counties. Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers into deeper water. Beachgoers should swim near lifeguards and follow posted warnings. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until free. Through Wednesday morning, scattered showers will move south to southwest across waters south of the Keys at 6 to 12 mph. Stronger rain bands may bring gusts near 23 mph, heavy downpours, and reduced visibility.
