Hurricane Melissa has become the most powerful storm of 2025, striking Jamaica with immense force and leaving a trail of devastation across the region. Meteorologists confirm that sustained winds reach up to 175 miles per hour, making Melissa the strongest tropical cyclone this year. Government officials, scientists, and international agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, urging communities to follow all evacuation orders now in place. 
Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa’s outer bands began hammering Jamaica late Monday, bringing torrential rain and severe winds throughout the island. Forecasters report that the storm strengthened rapidly during the day, reaching Category 5 status with gusts recorded up to 215 miles per hour. The centre of Melissa is expected to make landfall along the southwestern coast near Black River early Tuesday morning. Communities in Hanover, Westmoreland, Saint James, and Saint Elizabeth face the direct core of the hurricane. Emergency services and the Jamaican government have ordered mandatory evacuations in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas, especially around Kingston and southwest districts.
From sunrise to sunset, Hurricane Melissa is still a Category 5 storm as it starts to move northward towards Jamaica. pic.twitter.com/BNEob3hYkd
— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) October 27, 2025
Death Toll and Human Impact
Authorities have confirmed at least four deaths related to Hurricane Melissa across Hispaniola, including three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. Jamaican emergency teams continue to respond to incidents and coordinate relief efforts for those affected. Hospitals throughout the island have prepared extra capacity for hurricane-related injuries and medical needs. The Prime Minister of Jamaica made an announcement urging residents to “obey evacuation orders and shelter in place where necessary,” reinforcing that immediate safety remains the government’s top priority.
A man watches the waves crash into the walls at the Kingston Waterfront on October 27, 2025
Extreme Weather Statistics and Warnings
Melissa’s velocity ranks highest among any storm ever recorded in the Atlantic during late October. Meteorologists have warned of unprecedented rainfall amounts, with up to 40 inches predicted in certain areas of Jamaica over four days. Forecasts show a storm surge between 9 and 13 feet above ground level along southern coastlines, putting infrastructure and homes at significant risk of flooding and destruction. Jamie Rhome, Deputy Director of the US National Hurricane Center, emphasised the seriousness: “This extreme potential for rainfall, due to the storm’s slow pace, is likely to result in a catastrophic situation for Jamaica.”
Jamaica is forecast to get up to 30 inches of rain from historic Hurricane Melissa with a storm surge of 9 – 13ft in some areas – higher than the peak in this video.
Climate change is making hurricanes more powerful.
Watch David Attenborough’s Breaking Boundaries on Netflix… pic.twitter.com/aRbbU4FvPg— Matthew Todd 🌏🔥 (@MrMatthewTodd) October 28, 2025
Infrastructure and Heaviest Impact Zones
City officials expect heavy roof damage and complete structural failure in poorly built homes where Melissa’s centre crosses into Jamaica. Power outages will affect large portions of the island, with widespread disruptions likely to persist for weeks. Communities along the southern coast face inundation from destructive wave action riding on top of the storm surge. Roads and transportation networks are at risk of being washed away, leading to isolation for some communities. Jamaica’s primary emergency shelters have opened, but reports indicate fewer than 1,000 people in over 880 open shelters, raising concerns for safety and capacity. Residents have stocked up on food and water, with authorities cautioning everyone to prepare for extended disruptions.
A home in Portmore damaged by Melissa’s preliminary winds
International Response and Ship Diversions
International agencies and foreign governments have begun sending aid and monitoring Hurricane Melissa’s progression as it threatens neighbouring nations, including Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The US Embassy in Jamaica issued guidance for Americans to shelter in place until conditions improve. Several major cruise companies, such as Carnival, Celebrity Beyond, and Disney, diverted their vessels to avoid the hurricane, implementing emergency protocols for guest safety. Flight operations remain suspended across Jamaica and the Caribbean as Hurricane Melissa batters the air and sea transport networks.
This footage from inside the eye of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa might be the most jaw-dropping video ever captured of a hurricane’s eye, showcasing the infamous “stadium effect.” pic.twitter.com/AEhj2g2Ban
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) October 27, 2025
Meteorological Analysis and Future Path
Weather experts continue to track Hurricane Melissa’s movement. Its slow forward progression heightens the risk and increases rainfall accumulations, multiplying the effects of flooding and landslides. The storm’s centre will approach or pass over Jamaica tonight and Tuesday, then cross southeastern Cuba Tuesday night before sweeping through the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. The hurricane warning includes Jamaica, Cuba, and the central Bahamas, with the Turks and Caicos Islands under hurricane watch. Forecast models demonstrate possible fluctuations in intensity, but the expectation remains that Melissa will sustain Category 4 or 5 strength over Jamaica.
Local Community Resilience and Advice
Local leaders and meteorologists have encouraged Jamaicans to care for one another, urging everyone to look out for their neighbours and help maintain safety. Emergency management teams have distributed mobile updates and essential safety instructions via local radio and online channels. The Jamaican government continues to review evacuation zones and reinforce available shelters, deploying teams to distribute medical aid, food supplies, and water. Several NGOs and international organisations remain on standby for coordinated disaster relief efforts. Community members are organising informal search and rescue actions and checking in on vulnerable residents.
Cooks prepare meals at a shelter set up in a school in Old Harbour, Jamaica
Statement from the National Hurricane Centre
Jamie Rhome of the US National Hurricane Centre stated, “This extreme potential for rainfall, due to the storm’s slow pace, is likely to result in a catastrophic situation for Jamaica. Residents should remain where they are and prepare to endure the storm for several days.”
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Preparedness and Ongoing Response
The island faces the potential for more challenges as Melissa continues to move slowly, increasing risks associated with extended exposure to severe weather. Emergency service agencies are conducting operations around the clock, focusing on immediate life-saving efforts and post-storm recovery. Teams remain vigilant for flash flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, while meteorological agencies provide frequent updates on the storm’s status.
Conclusion
Hurricane Melissa stands as the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica in recorded history and the most intense hurricane globally in 2025, testing the resilience of local communities and the readiness of international aid networks. As the eye of the hurricane crosses Jamaica, sustained winds will continue to cause significant destruction and danger until Melissa exits the region in coming days. Residents are urged to follow official instructions and prioritise safety at all times.
