Hurricane Melissa Intensifies, Threatens Jamaica with Severe Weather

Mon Oct 27 2025 07:10:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 storm as it approaches Jamaica, with officials warning of potential life-threatening conditions. Residents are urged to prepare for heavy rainfall and flooding.

As Hurricane Melissa strengthens with winds up to 120 mph, it is set to impact Jamaica with heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned of significant power cuts and infrastructure damage expected upon landfall, urging residents to secure their homes and prepare for intense weather.

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph (195 km/h) as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The NHC warns of power cuts and damage to infrastructure as Melissa brings up to 30 inches (76cm) of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft (4m) above ground. Seek shelter now, residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to weaken to a category four before reaching Jamaica, the NHC indicated there would be little practical difference in the overall impacts upon landfall, as the hurricane will be at least that intensity when it strikes the island.

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well before it passes over central Jamaica, including potentially the capital, Kingston, residents are advised to accelerate their preparations.

A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides, the meteorological agency emphasized.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reassured concerned citizens: I know that many Jamaicans are anxious and rightfully so: you should be concerned. The best way to address anxiety and any nervousness is to be prepared.

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes using sandbags and wooden boards and to stock up on essential supplies.

Warnings are also in effect for regions of Haiti, including the capital Port-au-Prince, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to have similar effects by next week.

Hurricane-related landslides have already claimed two lives in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday and then continue into the Atlantic, likely weakening to a category three storm by that point.

While linking individual weather events to climate change is challenging, scientists assert that warming oceans are intensifying weather phenomena. This year's Atlantic hurricane season was predicted to be above normal due to warmer seas and expected stronger monsoon activity from West Africa, where many Atlantic storms originate.

If you are in the region, tell us about your preparations for the hurricane.