Hurricane Melissa is set to hit Jamaica as its strongest storm since records began
Summary
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 system with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph), is moving toward Jamaica and expected to make landfall on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. Authorities warned of catastrophic winds, life‑threatening storm surge up to 13 feet (4 metres), flash flooding and landslides. Officials described Melissa as the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica since recordkeeping began 174 years ago and among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record.
Key Points
- Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph) and is forecast to cross southern Jamaica.
- A storm surge up to 13 feet (4 metres) is expected on southern coasts, threatening hospitals and coastal infrastructure.
- About 1.5 million people were estimated to be in the storm’s path; evacuations and shelters were ordered but many families remained sheltering in place.
- Pre‑landfall reports included landslides, fallen trees, widespread power outages (240,000+ customers) and partial telecommunications failure.
- After Jamaica, Melissa is expected to move across eastern Cuba, then head toward the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, with heavy rain and surge risks for those areas as well.
Content Summary
By John Myers Jr. and Dánica Coto — Posted 2025-10-28T15:17:53+00:00.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned residents in Melissa’s path that this was their “last chance to protect your life.” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said there is no infrastructure in Jamaica capable of withstanding a Category 5 and stressed the difficulty of recovery. The storm had already been blamed for seven deaths elsewhere in the Caribbean prior to Jamaican landfall. Officials moved some patients to higher floors and prepositioned aid, while U.N. agencies and dozens of NGOs stood ready with supplies for post‑storm distribution. Airports and roads are expected to require substantial clearance and repair before relief flights and aid convoys can arrive.
Context and Relevance
Melissa is one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes recorded and represents a major humanitarian and logistical event. The forecast for catastrophic structural damage, high storm surge and widespread flooding means extended recovery operations and likely international assistance. For anyone following disaster response, Caribbean affairs or climate impacts on extreme weather, Melissa is a significant case: it highlights vulnerabilities of small island states and the strain such storms place on emergency services and supply chains.
Why should I read this?
Because this isn’t just another storm — it’s a likely catastrophe. If you have ties to the region, are involved in relief work, or follow climate and disaster trends, this story tells you what’s at risk, who’s affected and how authorities are responding. We’ve pulled out the essentials so you can act or follow developments quickly — but the full details matter if you’re organising help or checking on people there.
