Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 3 storm, has made landfall on Cuba’s southeast coast with sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h), bringing destructive winds, flooding, and storm surges to the region.

The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm is moving slowly at about 12 mph (19 km/h), meaning communities are being exposed to powerful winds and heavy rainfall for extended periods. Warnings remain in effect for major eastern cities, including Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo.

Tribune Online reports that Melissa struck Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane, leaving widespread destruction with residents waiting for daylight to assess the full extent of the damage.

In Haiti, which lies east of Cuba, people have sought refuge in schools and other buildings, though the hurricane’s eye is not expected to pass directly over the country.

After crossing Cuba, the storm is forecasted to weaken as it tracks northeast toward the Bahamas and Bermuda later today, BBC reports.

Authorities are warning of dangerous flooding and life-threatening storm surges along Cuba’s southeastern coastline as Hurricane Melissa continues its path through the Caribbean. (BBC)