By Amanda Castro, Hannah Parry, and Robert Birsel
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Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, has left at least 40 dead in Haiti. Previously, seven were confirmed dead across the Caribbean during storm preparations. The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica Tuesday as a Category 5 storm which left a trail of devastation and flooding. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s education minister, said that 77 percent of the island is still without power on Wednesday. Melissa has since weakened to a Category 3 hurricane, which barreled into Cuba this morning with with sustained winds of 120 mph. The hurricane continues to move north, triggering widespread flooding and emergency declarations across the Caribbean.
A short but scary video of the flooding in Santa Cruz, Jamaica, in the mountains inland from where Melissa is making landfall. Population is over 10,000. pic.twitter.com/VmnzO4kYbQ
— Ella Dorsey (@Ella__Dorsey) October 28, 2025
What to Know:
- Melissa struck Cuba near Chivirico in Santiago de Cuba Province as an “extremely dangerous” Category 3 hurricane.
- The storm made landfall in Jamaica yesterday as a Category 5 hurricane with 185 mph winds — the strongest in the island’s recorded history.
- Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared Jamaica a disaster area. St. Elizabeth Parish is reported to be “underwater.”
- Seven deaths have been confirmed across the region — three in Jamaica during storm preparations, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
This live blog is now closed.
Oct 29, 2025 at 03:32 PM EDT
Melissa weakens to Category 2 but still threatens Bahamas after devastating Jamaica, Cuba
Hurricane Melissa, once a catastrophic Category 5 storm, has weakened to a Category 2 but remains dangerous as it moves through the Bahamas. The storm brought devastating winds to Jamaica on Tuesday, severely damaging infrastructure across the island. Officials say the full extent of the destruction is still being assessed.
Melissa made landfall in Cuba early Monday as a Category 3 hurricane, causing what authorities described as “significant” damage. Despite its downgrade, Melissa continues to pose a serious threat, with strong winds and heavy rain expected across the Bahamas through tonight.
Oct 29, 2025 at 02:51 PM EDT
Death toll in Haiti rises to 40
The death toll in Haiti has risen to at least 40 people, Steven Aristil, with Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency, said Wednesday.
At least 20 of those occurred in the southern Haitian coastal town of Petit-Goâve after La Digue river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes.
Aristil told the Associated Press that he expects the figure could rise again as rescue and recovery teams work in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Oct 29, 2025 at 02:20 PM EDT
Marco Rubio says US sending search and response teams to Caribbean
The United States is sending rescue and response teams the Caribbean to assist with the recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday on X.
"The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies." he wrote.
"Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean."
Oct 29, 2025 at 02:05 PM EDT
WATCH: Drone footage captures devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa floods in Santa Cruz, Jamaica
Oct 29, 2025 at 01:58 PM EDT
Forecasters were still able to provide Hurricane Melissa warnings despite government shutdown
National weather forecasters were still able to provide crucial information about Hurricane Melissa despite the government shutdown, experts found.
“They are carrying on as normal, without getting paid for their sometimes stressful and exhausting work,” Kristen Corbosiero, professor and chair of the department of Atmospheric and environmental science at the University of Albany, told the Associated Press.
The critical warnings allowed hundreds of thousands of people across the Caribbean to evacuate and prepare for the Category 5 storm. Meteorologists were able to collect satellite data and fly aircraft into the eye of Hurricane Melissa, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s hurricane forecasting ability did not appear to be affected.
Many NOAA employees are considered essential, which means they are working during the shutdown without pay.
Oct 29, 2025 at 01:51 PM EDT
‘Catastrophic is a mild term’ for damage to Jamaican town
Officials in the Jamaican town of Black River, described the harrowing damage done to their coastal community of 5,000, as they pleaded for support in their recover efforts.
“Catastrophic is a mild term based on what we are observing,” Black River mayor Richard Solomon said in a Wednesday news conference.
Solomon said that the town's hospital, local police units and emergency services, alongside the facility storing relief supplies, had all been flooded meaning they were unable to respond to the recovery efforts.
The mayor called for external aid, as he warned the conditions were only going to deteriorate.
Oct 29, 2025 at 01:48 PM EDT
NOAA forecasters deliver critical hurricane Melissa warnings despite government shutdown
Amid a government shutdown, NOAA forecasters continued vital operations to track Hurricane Melissa, including satellite monitoring and aircraft missions into the storm’s eye. Experts say the agency’s forecasting remained highly effective, helping warn Jamaica ahead of Melissa’s violent landfall.
Many NOAA staff are classified as essential and work without pay during the shutdown. “They are carrying on as normal,” said Kristen Corbosiero of the University at Albany, noting the strain on personnel. While staffing cuts affected some roles under the Trump administration, select positions were reinstated due to safety concerns.
Oct 29, 2025 at 01:22 PM EDT
Early reports reveal widespread damage across Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
While the full toll of Hurricane Melissa remains unclear, early accounts from across Jamaica reveal severe disruption. Montego Bay’s mayor told the BBC that floodwaters have split the city in two, with immediate efforts focused on locating residents. In St. Elizabeth, one woman’s zinc roof was torn off as she sheltered inside her home.
BBC correspondent Nick Davis reported that roughly three-quarters of the island lost power overnight, with ongoing rainfall triggering landslides and worsening floods. Tourist Pia Chevallier described “devastation everywhere,” saying the storm left her “sick with worry.” Journalists continue gathering firsthand accounts as recovery begins.
Oct 29, 2025 at 12:55 PM EDT
Bahamas braces for Hurricane Melissa’s life-threatening surge and torrential rain
The National Hurricane Center warned Wednesday that the Bahamas will face dangerous hurricane conditions later today and into the night. Officials said the southeastern Bahamas could receive up to 25 inches of rain and face storm surge levels of 4 to 7 feet above ground.
The combination of flooding rain and surge poses a serious threat to coastal communities as Hurricane Melissa continues its path through the region. Authorities urged residents to take immediate precautions and monitor emergency updates.
Oct 29, 2025 at 12:42 PM EDT
Melissa’s expanding wind field threatens wider impact across Bahamas
Hurricane Melissa’s core winds are now reaching farther than before, following the storm’s disruption over Cuba’s mountainous terrain. The National Hurricane Center reports hurricane-force gusts now extend 40 miles from the center—up from 30 miles earlier—raising the risk for broader damage across islands near the Bahamas.
This expansion means more communities could be directly exposed to Melissa’s powerful winds through Thursday morning. CNN Weather warns that the storm may also generate up to 7 feet of storm surge in parts of the Bahamas later today, intensifying the threat to coastal areas.
Oct 29, 2025 at 12:29 PM EDT
Starlink terminals activated as Jamaica battles telecom outages after Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica’s government reported Wednesday that roughly 70 of the island’s 700 water systems were damaged by Hurricane Melissa, though most held up well. Telecommunications, however, suffered major disruptions, especially in the storm-ravaged west.
To help restore connectivity, Starlink terminals have been activated and are being provided free to affected communities. A government spokesperson said many residents still can’t reach loved ones due to infrastructure damage, calling the Category 5 hurricane “catastrophic.” Officials say it’s too early to assess the full extent of the destruction.
Oct 29, 2025 at 12:20 PM EDT
Hundreds of thousands remain in shelters after hurricane
More than 25,000 people remain in shelters across Jamaica on Wednesday, while in Cuba, around 735,000 are in shelters after mass evacuations from their homes on the east of the island.
Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, said that people are continuing to stream into the shelters in the wake of the hurricane which has damaged or destroyed multiple homes.
“It’s not going to be an easy road, Jamaica,” said McKenzie.
Oct 29, 2025 at 12:13 PM EDT
NHC forecasts for Hurricane Melissa prove uncannily accurate despite budget cuts
Despite recent funding cuts to NOAA’s data-gathering programs, the National Hurricane Center delivered highly accurate forecasts for Hurricane Melissa. The agency predicted rapid intensification three days before Melissa became a hurricane and correctly anticipated its Category 5 strength 36 hours in advance—when it was still a Category 1.
Four days before landfall, the NHC forecasted a direct hit on western Jamaica with 150 mph winds. Melissa was then just a 45 mph tropical storm, yet the final track missed by only 13 miles. Experts say new AI models, including Google DeepMind’s, may have helped forecasters issue confident, early warnings.
Oct 29, 2025 at 12:08 PM EDT
WATCH: The devastation left behind in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica
An X user posted a video showing the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in St. Elizabeth Parish, located in the southwest of Jamaica.
St. Elizabeth this morning.
The aftermath.#TrackingMelissa #HurricaneMelissa #Jamaica @CVMTV pic.twitter.com/TqHlCG9zra
— Giovanni R. Dennis (@GiovanniRDennis) October 29, 2025
Oct 29, 2025 at 12:04 PM EDT
At least 25 people killed in Haiti as river floods during Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, has left at least 25 dead in Haiti after La Digue river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes. Previously, seven were confirmed dead across the Caribbean during storm preparations.
Jean Bertrand Subrème, mayor of the southern Haitian coastal town of Petit-Goâve, told the Associated Press that dozens of homes had collapsed during the storm and flood, with many people still trapped under the rubble.
“I am overwhelmed by the situation," he said.
Oct 29, 2025 at 11:58 AM EDT
Majority of Jamaica still without power after Hurricane Melissa
Most of Jamaica remains without power on Wednesday after Hurricane Melissa swept through the island yesterday leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s education minister, told the Associated Press that 77 percent of the island were still in the dark after power outages across the island. Thankfully, he added, water systems had not been seriously affected by the hurricane.
Oct 29, 2025 at 11:55 AM EDT
Jamaica yet to confirm deaths after Hurricane Melissa’s direct hit
Jamaica’s government has not confirmed any fatalities from Hurricane Melissa’s landfall, despite widespread damage across the island’s western parishes. Minister Desmond McKenzie said Wednesday that no official death alerts had been received, cautioning against assumptions.
Three people died during storm preparations, but the full toll remains unclear following Tuesday’s Category 5 strike. While Kingston was spared mainly, rural areas in the west endured the hurricane’s eye, leaving communities cut off and recovery efforts underway.
Oct 29, 2025 at 11:36 AM EDT
Jamaican minister and UN official detail urgent recovery needs after Hurricane Melissa
On CNN News Central, Jamaican Minister Daryl Vaz and UN World Food Program Country Director Brian Bogart outlined the scale of devastation and humanitarian needs following Hurricane Melissa’s landfall.
Vaz described “total devastation” in western Jamaica and said recovery efforts began immediately, with assessments underway at key airports to facilitate relief flights. He noted that Kingston’s intact infrastructure will help accelerate the government’s response.
Bogart estimated that hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans may require food assistance, emphasizing the urgency of scaling up aid delivery. The UN is working with global partners to establish mobile warehouses and staging areas near affected communities.
Oct 29, 2025 at 11:11 AM EDT
US and UK pledge support for Caribbean recovery after Hurricane Melissa
The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday it is deploying a regional disaster response team and activating Urban Search and Rescue units to assist Caribbean nations impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The teams are coordinating with local governments, international partners, and U.S. military agencies to assess needs and deliver aid.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to support Jamaica’s recovery. The U.K. also committed £2.5 million ($3.3 million) in emergency humanitarian funding to help affected islands rebuild after the storm’s devastation.
Oct 29, 2025 at 09:41 AM EDT
Hurricane Melissa cuts off over 140,000 in eastern Cuba as rivers rise
Hurricane Melissa is sweeping across eastern Cuba, triggering rising river levels and isolating more than 140,000 residents, according to government officials. A total of 241 communities have been cut off, with blocked roads reported in Contramaestre, north of the storm’s landfall zone.
Remote areas like Guaninao and Ruta Martina are now inaccessible as floodwaters and debris disrupt transportation. Authorities continue to monitor conditions as Melissa moves inland, bringing heavy rain and sustained winds to vulnerable regions.
Oct 29, 2025 at 07:56 AM EDT
Jamaica declared disaster zone as Hurricane Melissa hits
As Hurricane Melissa bears down on Jamaica, officials are beginning to assess the storm’s impact on infrastructure and public safety. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the nation a disaster area Tuesday, urging calm and warning against price gouging as residents stock up on essentials.
Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government, said the country’s infrastructure is “severely compromised,” with rural areas particularly exposed despite recent urban upgrades. An estimated 25,000 tourists remain on the island, though officials say there is no immediate cause for alarm.
The government has launched a centralized website for relief coordination, offering real-time updates on flooding, road blockages, and shelter locations.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist Jamaica’s recovery efforts.
Oct 29, 2025 at 05:37 AM EDT
Hurricane Melissa Strikes Cuba – In Pictures
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Oct 29, 2025 at 05:16 AM EDT
National Hurricane Center Issues New Cuba Warning
The National Hurricane Center has issued a new warning of dangerous winds and storm surges as Melissa strikes Cuba.
"Melissa Bringing Damaging Winds, Flooding Rains, and Dangerous Storm Surge as it Moves Over Eastern Cuba," the alert stated.
Oct 29, 2025 at 05:02 AM EDT
Bahamas braces for Hurricane Melissa storm surge
Violent winds, heavy rain and a storm surge of up to 8 feet will hit the Bahamas on Wednesday and Thursday as Hurricane Melissa moves north after crossing Cuba, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology said.
“Hurricane Melissa, if it follows the forecast track, will bring extended periods of violent winds, heavy rain, and widespread inland and coastal flooding, along with hazardous sea conditions to the islands in the Central and Southeast Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, from today through Thursday,” the department said in its latest bulletin.
Rainfall of up to 10 inches is expected over the southeast Bahamas on Wednesday, resulting in severe flooding in the islands, it said, while up to 3 inches of rain could hit the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“A storm surge of 5 to 8 feet above normally dry ground is possible in the Southeast Bahamas, and 2 to 4 feet in the Turks and Caicos Islands today,” it said.
Oct 29, 2025 at 04:27 AM EDT
Accounts of destruction, survival trickle out from devastated Jamaica
A new video shows a narrow escape from storm debris at a Jamaican hospital.
As the eye of Hurricane #melissa swept over Jamaica, a metal sheet went airborne outside Savanna La Mar Hospital, narrowly missing doctors and nurses at the doors. It could've cost a life . A stark reminder, stay indoors and keep doors closed. 🇯🇲 #jamaica #hurricanemelissa pic.twitter.com/lsWXkzM7lF
— ChaseWithHam (@Ham_BklynWx) October 29, 2025
Oct 29, 2025 at 04:14 AM EDT
Cuba risks landslides as Melissa roars in with ‘intense rainfall’
Mountainous areas of southeast Cuba are at high risk of numerous landslides as Category 3 Hurricane Melissa hits on Wednesday, with winds of up to 120 mph and up to 25 inches of rain likely to fall in some areas.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Melissa made landfall on the southern coast of eastern Cuba at 3:10 a.m. Eastern Time.
“For eastern Cuba, storm total rainfall of 10 to 20 inches are expected through today, with local amounts to 25 inches expected over mountainous terrain. This will cause life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding with numerous landslides,” the NHC said.
“Numerous landslides are likely in those areas,” the NHC’s director, Michael Brennan, said earlier.
Cuba’s Institute of Meteorology said the storm had weakened slightly but it remains a strong hurricane.
“The rains associated with this hurricane are affecting eastern Cuba, with some areas experiencing heavy and intense rainfall,” the institute said in its latest bulletin.
Strong swells with waves of up to 20 feet will continue in the seas south of the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, increasing to heights of up 26 feet, with moderate to severe flooding in low-lying areas of this coastline, it said.
The hurricane could worsen Cuba's severe economic crisis, which already has led to prolonged power blackouts, fuel shortages and food shortages.
“There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be a lot of damage,” Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said in a televised address, in which he assured that “no one is left behind and no resources are spared to protect the lives of the population.”
Oct 29, 2025 at 03:25 AM EDT
Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Cuba
“Extremely dangerous Hurricane Melissa makes landfall on the southern coast of eastern Cuba,” the National Hurricane Center (NEC) said.
“Satellite and radar imagery indicate that Melissa has made landfall in the Cuban province of Santiago de Cuba near the city of Chivirico at 3:10 a.m. Eastern Time with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph,” it said.
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Oct 29, 2025 at 02:30 AM EDT
Hurricane Melissa set to barrel into Cuba as a Category 3
Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall soon along the southern coast of eastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane, the National Hurricane Center (NEC) said.
Earlier, the NHC said Melissa had picked up strength over the sea after battering Jamaica on Tuesday and had become a Category 4 storm. But in its latest bulletin, the NHC said Melissa was Category 3.
At 2 a.m. Eastern Time, the storm was 80 miles southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, and moving northeast at nearly 10 miles per hour (mph), it said.
The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of nearly 125 mph, with stronger gusts.
“For eastern Cuba, storm total rainfall of 10 to 20 inches are expected through today, with local amounts to 25 inches expected over mountainous terrain. This will cause life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding with numerous landslides,” the NHC said.
“Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas and passes near Bermuda.”
Oct 29, 2025 at 02:11 AM EDT
Jamaica launches official site for relief donations
Jamaica has launched a site for donations for disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said.
"We have already been made aware of some nefarious individuals trying to collect money on behalf of Jamaica. We remind you that this will be the official site," Dixon told a briefing.
The site - http://supportjamaica.gov.jm - "will be our online platform, developed by the government of Jamaica to mobilise support to channel relief and coordinate recovery efforts,” she said.
Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon on Tuesday announced the launch of https://t.co/uqxxwG7wBR, the Government’s official platform to mobilise donations, track emergencies, and coordinate recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. #GLNRToday pic.twitter.com/IMVzT4JT0c
— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) October 28, 2025
Oct 29, 2025 at 01:49 AM EDT
Jamaican police show some of the damage from Hurricane Melissa
Police in Black River, in Jamaica’s southwestern St. Elizabeth Parish, where Hurricane Melissa roared ashore on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, posted a video showing some of the damage in their community.
🌀The Black River Police Station has become a refuge for residents whose houses have been flooded. We are sticking close to the community as we weather Hurricane Melissa together.#TrackingHurricaneMelissa#AForce4Good pic.twitter.com/JPhAHJMihm
— Jamaica Constabulary Force (@JamaicaConstab) October 28, 2025
Oct 29, 2025 at 01:28 AM EDT
Jamaica’s Black River sustained heavy damage
A new video has emerged showing widespread damage in Black River, in Jamaica’s southwestern St. Elizabeth Parish, where Hurricane Melissa roared ashore on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm.
The devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on Black River, St. Elizabeth#Jamaica pic.twitter.com/0qUFmLgw5y
— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) October 29, 2025
Oct 29, 2025 at 01:04 AM EDT
Hurricane Melissa was a Category 5 for 36 hours
Hurricane Melissa was a Category 5 hurricane for 36 consecutive hours. Only four other hurricanes since 1969 have been Category 5 for so long, said meteorologist Michael Lowry.
The storm hit southwest Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 but was later downgraded to 4 and then 3 as it moved over the island.
The National Hurricane Center revised it back to Category 4 as Melissa re-gained strength as it moved over the sea and approached Cuba late on Tuesday.
Melissa was a Category 5 hurricane for 36 consecutive hours. Only 4 other hurricanes in the satellite record – Irma (2017), Ivan (2004), Mitch (1998), and David 1979 – lasted as long as a Category 5 hurricane. Typically Cat 5s last about 18 hours before weakening. pic.twitter.com/Tw1tXTICvt
— Michael Lowry (@MichaelRLowry) October 29, 2025
Oct 29, 2025 at 12:24 AM EDT
Melissa upgraded back to Category 4 as it nears Cuba
Hurricane Melissa has been upgraded back to Category 4 as it moves north from Jamaica over the Caribbean towards Cuba, where it is expected to make landfall early on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.
“Melissa re-strengthening as it approaches eastern Cuba… expected to make landfall there as an extremely dangerous major hurricane in the next few hours,” the NHC said in its latest bulletin
The storm, about 110 miles southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph and moving northeast at 9 mph.
Up to 20 inches of rain is expected over eastern Cuba, with up to 25 inches in some mountainous areas, bringing “‘life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding with numerous landslides.”
“In the warning area in Cuba, residents should seek safe shelter immediately,” the NHC said.
The storm hit southwest Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 but was later downgraded to 4 and then 3 as it moved over the island.
Oct 28, 2025 at 11:53 PM EDT
Police station battered in Jamaica’s Black River
New video shows the extent of damage to the police station in Black River, in western Jamaica, near where category 5 Hurricane Melissa roared ashore on Tuesday.
There are reports of severe flooding at the Black River Police Station in St Elizabeth, where court documents, exhibits, and case files were reportedly damaged or washed out following the passage of Hurricane Melissa across western Jamaica.
Authorities are expected to carry out… pic.twitter.com/N7yV3sBkgX
— Jamaica Observer (@JamaicaObserver) October 29, 2025
Oct 28, 2025 at 11:43 PM EDT
Jamaican minister says special flights might resume on Wednesday
Jamaica hopes to open up its main airport in the capital Kingston for special flights as early as Wednesday, the minister of tourism said, as he dismissed talk that it might take weeks for stranded tourists to get off the storm-battered island.
Some 25,000 tourists are estimated to be in Jamaica, most taking shelter in their hotel rooms as the strongest storm in the world this year roared over the western part of the island.
“Already, we are looking at Kingston airport, that could be ready by tomorrow for rescue operations and special flights that are coming in for humanitarian and other purposes,” Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett told CNN late on Tuesday.
“I just wanted to put paid very quickly to the notion that it would take weeks before the visitors who are here are returned to their respective destinations,” he said.
“Tomorrow the minister of transport and myself will fly over to Monego Bay to do a full assessment of the airport there and the extent to which we can have that ready as fast as possible so that we can repatriate those visitors who are here and who need to get back to their respective homes.”
A video posed on social media of the airport in the tourism hub of Montego Bay showed extensive damage and flooding.
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Oct 28, 2025 at 11:16 PM EDT
Devastation at Jamaica’s Montego Bay airport
New video shows the extent of damage at the Montego Bay airport in western Jamaica.
YIKES! Horrific damage from Hurricane Melissa seen at the Montego Bay Airport in Jamaica. #Melissa #Jamaica pic.twitter.com/i7BjnI8pas
— Mark Tarello (@mark_tarello) October 29, 2025
Oct 28, 2025 at 10:59 PM EDT
Miami Heat NBA team makes $1 million donation for disaster relief
The Miami Heat NBA team has donated $1 million for recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica,” Eric Woolworth, president of The Heat Group’s Business Operations, said in a statement.
“In Florida, we are all too familiar with the widespread devastation caused by a Category 5 storm.”
Oct 28, 2025 at 10:54 PM EDT
Trump says the United States is prepared to help
President Donald Trump said his administration is watching the unfolding disaster in the Caribbean after Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica and it is prepared to help.
“We’re watching it closely, and we’re prepared to move,” said Trump, who is on a tour of Asia this week.
The president commented on the strength of the storm, the strongest in the world this year and the strongest on record to hit Jamaica, the Associated Press reported.
“I’ve never seen that before. I guess it can get that high, but I’ve never seen it,” Trump said.
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Oct 28, 2025 at 10:36 PM EDT
Hurricane Melissa likely to pick up strength over warm Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to make landfall in Cuba early on Wednesday as a category 4 storm after picking up strength as it passes over the Caribbean after devastating western Jamaica, AccuWeather said.
The hurricane hit Jamaica on Tuesday as a category 5 storm, the most powerful anywhere in the world this year, but the National Hurricane Center later downgraded it to 4, and then to 3.
AccuWeather said it now forecast a category 4 landfall in Cuba with wind gusts of up to 160 mph, a storm surge of up to 15 feet and up to 24 inches of rainfall.
“Warm waters in the Caribbean will provide additional fuel for the storm tonight, before it makes its second landfall in Cuba,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said.
“People in Cuba need to be hunkered down in a sturdy building or safe shelter tonight. The dangers from hurricane-force winds, torrential rainfall, and storm surge are incredibly dangerous, especially in the dark.”
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Oct 28, 2025 at 10:15 PM EDT
Jamaica’s Black River devastated by Melissa
New video shows the destruction left by Hurricane Melissa in Black River in southwest Jamaica near where the category 5 storm made landfall on Tuesday.
BREAKING: Aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in Black River, Jamaica#BREAKING #Hurricane #Melissa #Jamaicapic.twitter.com/zZCSzPh52D
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) October 29, 2025
Oct 28, 2025 at 10:01 PM EDT
Flood waters stream through a Jamaican hospital
A new video shows the flooded Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego, Jamaica.
This was Cornwall Regional (the hospital I was born at) in Montego Bay Jamaica earlier today pic.twitter.com/YkAW8x5tn1
— GOATlikethecheese (@LdcGoat) October 29, 2025
Oct 28, 2025 at 09:42 PM EDT
Melissa to hit Cuba early on Wednesday
Hurricane Melissa was expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba early on Wednesday, the Cuban Meteorological Institute said.
Melissa has been downgraded from a category 5 hurricane to a category 3 but it will still be a major storm when it hits Cuba.
“Melissa will approach the southern coast of the provinces of Granma and Santiago de Cuba tonight, entering the country through the municipality of Guamá, part of the province of Santiago de Cuba, early Wednesday morning,” the institute said in its latest bulletin.
“Although this system will experience fluctuations in intensity, it will remain a major hurricane as it passes through Cuba.”
The storm is about 75 miles south of Pilón, Granma, and 115 miles southwest of the city of Santiago de Cuba and moving north-northeast at 8 miles per hour (mph) with maximum winds of 127 mph and stronger gusts, it said.
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Oct 28, 2025 at 08:56 PM EDT
Jamaica’s prime minister says no reports of deaths yet but casualties ‘certain’
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was asked in an interview with CNN about new reports of deaths, in addition to several fatalities and injuries linked to storm preparations.
“As best as we would have tried, and we would have informed citizens, I’m certain that there would be eventualities and situations, but as of now I don’t have any confirmed report of deaths,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness told CNN.
“But with a Category 5 hurricane, with the damage…we are expecting that there would be some loss of life.”
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Oct 28, 2025 at 08:41 PM EDT
U.N. worried about access as relief teams prepare to deploy
Washed out bridges and roads could prove a major problem as an international relief operation gears up to help communities in Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa, a senior official with the U.N. food agency said.
“Obviously, water and power are the core aspects of any country and until we have them restored it's very difficult for people to get back on their feet. I think in addition one of the things that we’re really concerned about is the logistics infrastructure of the country and what that means for access to populations in the worst-affected areas,” Brian Bogart, country director for the World Food Program, told the BBC.
“When bridges are washed out, roads are damaged, it’s very difficult to get supplies to people, it's very difficult for us to understand what the needs are if we can’t make contact with those communities,” he said.
“What we’re planning is to be able to deploy mobile warehousing, generators, lighting towers and emergency communication infrastructure into those areas so that we can begin to accommodate all of the partners who need to be part of this response.”
Bogart said he hoped relief workers could begin moving in to the area on Wednesday.
“Ideally, we’d like to get our teams on the ground tomorrow, if that’s possible and if they can do so safely. And that's really the first priority and in parallel begin moving relief assistance into the country as soon as infrastructure is restored and we can access airports, ports, to get the kind of scale of supplies we need into the country.”
Oct 28, 2025 at 08:08 PM EDT
Hurricane Melissa drops to a category 3 storm
Hurricane Melissa has weakened again, dropping to a category 3 storm as it approaches Cuba.
The hurricane now has wind speeds of 125 mph, down from its category 5 peak of 185 mph shortly before it made landfall in Jamaica this afternoon. The storm has lost speed as it traveled over the island, and its mountains, first dropping down to a category 4 with winds of 145mph at around 6 p.m. ET before weakening again before 8 p.m.
Forecasters don't expect Melissa to re-intensify before it hits Cuba later tonight or early Wednesday morning, but have warned that the hurricane is still a formidable storm.
Oct 28, 2025 at 07:49 PM EDT
Jamaican local government representative says no official data on death toll
Jamaican local government minister Desmond McKenzie said, during his Tuesday night televised address, that he has not received "anything official to say that there are deaths".
"Let us hope that there are none so far," he added.
McKenzie said that it was too early to assess the damage on the island but roads across the island were blocked while hundreds of thousands of people had been left without power.
Oct 28, 2025 at 07:36 PM EDT
‘Scary’ video shows churning floodwaters outside a building in Jamaica’s Santa Cruz
Oct 28, 2025 at 07:30 PM EDT
Around 530,000 Jamaican residents without power amid severe flooding, blocked roads
More than half a million Jamaican residents have been left without power on Tuesday evening after the devastating Hurricane Melissa swept through the island.
Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Council, said in a televised address that floodwater and fallen trees and debris were blocking roads across the island.
One of the hardest hit areas was the parish of St. Elizabeth, which had been in the direct path of the storm, and is now "under water."
McKenzie added that three hospitals have been damaged by the storm, with at least 75 patients evacuated. However, he said it was too early to know the full scale of the damage as the hurricane moves north towards Cuba.
Oct 28, 2025 at 07:08 PM EDT
Three families trapped inside their homes by Hurricane Melissa, say Jamaican officials
At least three families in Black River, Jamaica, have become trapped inside their homes by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican official Desmond McKenzie said on Tuesday.
“I know at least three families were marooned at home,” he said, adding that rescue teams have been unable to reach them due to the severe weather.
“We are hoping and praying that the situation will ease so that some attempt can be made to get to those persons,” he said.
Oct 28, 2025 at 06:51 PM EDT
Moment roof is torn off hospital by Hurricane Melissa’s powerful winds
A new video captured the moment the roof was torn off a Jamaican hospital by Hurricane Melissa.
The clip shows powerful winds blowing through the area before the roof flew off a section of the Savanna La Mar Public General Hospital.
Oct 28, 2025 at 06:40 PM EDT
Jamaicans get urgent new warning amid Hurricane Melissa flooding
Jamaica's South East Regional Health Authority is warning residents in Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas to use extreme caution as heavy rains and flooding from Hurricane Melissa could displace crocodiles from their natural habitats.
The agency said rising water levels in rivers, gullies and swamps may push the reptiles into residential areas in search of dry ground. Residents living near these areas are urged to remain alert and stay out of floodwaters.
Officials advised the public not to wade or play in flooded areas, to keep children and pets away from water where crocodiles may appear, and to avoid trying to capture or harm the animals. SERHA also urged residents to clear drains and yards of debris to prevent stagnant water buildup.
Read in full from Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.
Oct 28, 2025 at 06:38 PM EDT
Harrowing footage shows devastating floods in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
New video shows devastating inland flooding along the Santa Cruz Bypass between Black River and Mandeville in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa blew through the island on Tuesday.
Some parts of the island were forecast to receive three feet of rain as the storm brought torrential rain and strong winds to the country.
Oct 28, 2025 at 06:21 PM EDT
Expert says world needs to decrease reliance on fossil fuels to prevent further devastating storms
Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson, a climate scientist at the University of South Carolina, told Newsweek that the world needs to decrease its reliance on fossil fuels in order to stop hurricanes getting increasingly strong.
"There are a number of alternative sources of energy that do not release carbon dioxide into our atmosphere," she said.
"We need to ensure that we are funding science to find and more effectively utilize these sustainable energy sources, build better infrastructure, and support human health impacts associated with extreme events, such as these hurricanes, that are becoming increasingly common across the United States and the world. "
Dr. Benitez-Nelson added that individuals could stay informed by using trusted websites, such as sciencemoms.org and making it a priority when voting at city, state, and national government elections.
Oct 28, 2025 at 06:11 PM EDT
New graphic shows how Hurricane Melissa moves through Caribbean, when it arrives in Cuba, Bermuda
Oct 28, 2025 at 05:57 PM EDT
Expert warns Cuba, Bahamas to be prepared for ‘extremely strong storm’
Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson, a climate scientist at the University of South Carolina, told Newsweek that residents in Cuba and the Bahamas should be prepared for "an extremely strong storm."
While the storm has weakened from a category 5 to a category 4 as it passed over Jamaica, Dr. Benitez-Nelson warned that the hurricane would "still pack powerful winds and storm surge."
She also shared some tips for communities who would be impacted by Hurricane Melissa, including that people should move as far inland as possible and bring plenty of water and other supplies.
"Once the hurricane passes, access to clean water may be difficult due to sewage overflows and an overwhelmed sanitation system. Given the suspected impacts on island infrastructure, power will likely take a while to be restored. Even inland, people must be careful of flooding, falling trees, and mudslides as the ground becomes saturated," they said.
Oct 28, 2025 at 05:29 PM EDT
Hurricane Melissa drops down to a Category 4 storm as windspeed falls to 145mph
Hurricane Melissa has fallen from a category 5 storm to a category 4 after its windspeeds dropped from a high of 18mph to 145mph, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in an advisory.
The drop in windspeed occurred after Melissa made landfall in Jamaica at around 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday. It has since moved northeast across the island and is beginning to emerge from the coast of northern Jamaica.
“Damaging winds will continue over portions of Jamaica this evening. Catastrophic flash flooding, and landslides, are expected across the island tonight with widespread infrastructure damage, power and communication outages, and isolated communities,” Jack Beven, the NHC’s senior hurricane specialist, said in the advisory.
Beven said he does not believe that Melissa will re-intensify to a category 5 storm before it makes landfall in Cuba either later tonight or in the early hours of Wednesday, "due to the limited amount of time before landfall and an upper-level wind environment that is becoming less favorable."
"After leaving Cuba, Melissa should encounter increasing southwesterly vertical shear that should cause gradual weakening, although the cyclone should still be at hurricane strength when it passes near Bermuda. Based on global model guidance, Melissa is forecast to become a strong extratropical cyclone over the North Atlantic by 96 h," her added in the advisory.
Oct 28, 2025 at 05:11 PM EDT
Crocodiles may be infesting floodwaters, officials warn
Jamaican officials are warning residents in Kingston and the surrounding area to avoid floodwaters as they may be infested with crocodiles.
“Heavy rains and flooding associated with Hurricane Melissa may result in crocodiles being displaced from their natural habitats,” the South East Regional Health Authority said on social media.
The agency also urged the public not to try and remove, harm, or capture any crocodile “that appears displaced.”
Crocodiles are typically only found along Jamaica's southern coast, with small populations found in Hanover and Trelawny, but the heavy floods may have pushed the reptiles across the island.
Oct 28, 2025 at 05:02 PM EDT
Expert urges emergency planners to be prepared for record breaking surges, winds
Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson, a climate scientist at the University of South Carolina, told Newsweek that emergency planners to prepare for the unusually powerful winds and high storm surges as hurricanes, such as Melissa, increase in strength and duration.
"Emergency planners need to be prepared for not only these tremendous increases in wind strength but also the greater storm surge associated with sustained high winds," they warned.
"These hurricanes can last for several days if they stall. Furthermore, emergency planners need to be ready to react quickly. As these storms intensify so rapidly, there can be minimal warning."
Oct 28, 2025 at 04:54 PM EDT
Hurricanes are getting stronger and lasting longer, warns expert
Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson, a climate scientist at the University of South Carolina, told Newsweek that while Hurricane Melissa was one of the strongest hurricanes on record, it was part of a broader pattern of storms becoming stronger and lasting longer.
"Reaching 185 mph, Hurricane Melissa is one of the strongest hurricanes on record," Dr. Benitez-Nelson told Newsweek. "It is certainly in the top five hurricanes to have occurred in the Atlantic Ocean in terms of winds and pressure."
Hurricanes are becoming stronger and lasting longer. We currently measure hurricanes using the Saffir-Simpson scale. The highest number on that scale is 5, with hurricanes exceeding 150 mph. Given the increasing strength of the Hurricanes that we are observing, there is a push to create a new category 6 to capture hurricanes with winds exceeding 192 mph. This is in direct response to the strength of hurricanes now forming."
Dr. Benitez-Nelson said one of the causes behind the strengthening hurricanes was rising sea temperatures which can "fuel" a hurricane.
"Rising ocean temperatures due to fossil fuel burning and the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere are heating our oceans," they explained. "That increase in heat fuels monster hurricanes like Melissa. Hurricanes Maria and Dorian also occurred during warmer-than-average ocean temperatures. While they may not have been quite as strong when they hit land, they were incredibly devastating to Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Both are still recovering years after those Hurricanes made landfall."
Oct 28, 2025 at 04:40 PM EDT
New graphic shows tropical storm force wind speed probabilities across Caribbean
Oct 28, 2025 at 04:32 PM EDT
Jamaican hospital suffers extensive damage from Hurricane Melissa
A hospital in Jamaica's St Elizabeth parish has suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Melissa, health minister Christopher Tufton said on Tuesday.
Around 75 patients were evacuated to a higher floor shortly before parts of the roof collapsed as the Category 5 storm passed by, the minister told The Guardian.
“The administrative wing was extensively damaged by the wind. No one was there, so no one got hurt, because that area was evacuated,” he said. “We have had some issues with the onsite generator, which was damaged by falling debris, so we are trying to resolve that issue.”
Oct 28, 2025 at 04:19 PM EDT
How are storms named?
Before the 1950s, tropical storms and hurricanes were identified by the year and sequence in which they formed, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
However, as forecasting and communication improved, experts
recognized that assigning short, memorable names helped reduce confusion—especially when multiple storms were active simultaneously.
The U.S. began using female names for storms in 1953, later expanding to include male names in the Northern Pacific by 1978 and the Atlantic basin by 1979. Today, storm naming follows a strict protocol set by the World Meteorological Organization,
not the National Hurricane Center.
Atlantic storm names rotate on a six-year cycle, with names retired if a storm is particularly deadly or destructive. If a season exceeds 21 named storms, a backup list is used. For full details on current and retired names, the National Weather Service
maintains an updated directory.
Oct 28, 2025 at 03:45 PM EDT
WATCH: Powerful winds and heavy rain batter Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall
Oct 28, 2025 at 03:30 PM EDT
Full list of essentials needed by Jamaican evacuees, released by emergency center
Jamaica's Information Service (JIS) has released a list of essential items, provided by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), in case residents are forced to evacuate.
They include blankets, flashlights, soap, medications and extra clothing.
"In case you need to evacuate, make sure you have your essentials packed," JIS said in a statement.
See the full list of items in post below.
Oct 28, 2025 at 03:15 PM EDT
Hurricane Melissa’s effects will be felt across the US East Coast, with part of Florida at particular high risk
Oct 28, 2025 at 03:05 PM EDT
How to stay safe during hurricane season
Hurricanes are powerful systems that can bring destructive winds, flooding, and storm surge far beyond coastal areas. With months left in the 2025 season, experts urge families to prepare now to stay safe.
Before a storm hits, make evacuation and shelter plans, gather emergency supplies, and monitor official alerts. A Go-Kit should include three days of essentials, while a Stay-at-Home Kit should cover two weeks. Secure outdoor items, protect windows,
and clear gutters to reduce damage.
If evacuation is ordered, leave immediately and follow designated routes. If sheltering in place, stay in a windowless interior room on the lowest safe level. Move to higher ground if flooding begins.
After the storm, wait for local officials to declare it safe to return. Avoid floodwaters and downed power lines, and use generators only in well-ventilated areas. Clean up with protective gear and stay alert to health risks.
The Red Cross offers shelter, supplies, and support during hurricanes. For more resources, including multilingual safety checklists and emergency apps, visit their website.
Oct 28, 2025 at 03:00 PM EDT
22 St. Lucian students stranded in Jamaica amid Hurricane Melissa
The government of St. Lucia has confirmed that 22 of its students remain stranded in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa impacts the island.
According to officials, the students have taken shelter in various locations, including hotels, university campuses, and the homes of friends or relatives.
Oct 28, 2025 at 02:53 PM EDT
US State Department urges Americans to ‘depart ASAP if still possible’ if in path of Hurricane Melissa
The U.S. State Department has urged American citizens in the Caribbean to “depart ASAP if still possible" or shelter in place after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica.
Americans are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment (STEP) at step.state.gov to "receive updates for your location. STEP also makes it easier for us to be in touch with you or your emergency contacts."
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Oct 28, 2025 at 02:40 PM EDT
Melissa weakens after landfall but remains a Category 5 hurricane
The National Hurricane Center said that Hurricane Melissa’s maximum sustained winds have dropped by 20mph since it made landfall this afternoon
The hurricane still has wind speeds of 165mph, meaning it is still a powerful and damaging category 5 storm. Experts predict that the storm could level buildings in the path of its eye and cause severe damage across the island.
Even for the areas that avoid the path of the eye, hurricane force winds can extend 30 miles from Melissa's eye of the storm, while tropical storm force winds could extend up to 195 miles.
The storm is moving northeasterly across Jamaica and it could expect to make landfall in Cuba by late on Tuesday.
Oct 28, 2025 at 02:20 PM EDT
Aid worker describes ‘relentless’ noise as he shelters in place while storm passes
Colin Bogl, a humanitarian aid worker who is sheltering with his grandmother in Portmore, near Kingston in Jamaica, described the noise as Hurricane Melissa passed overhead.
“The noise is relentless,” he told Associated Press. “People are anxious and just trying to hold on until the storm passes.”
Bogy, who works as an adviser for Mercy Corps, non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian aid, said that most families had chosen to defy the government's orders to evacuate in flood-prone communities, and instead chosen to shelter-in-place.
He said that everything had gone dark as he sheltered with his family, following a loud explosion this morning.
Oct 28, 2025 at 02:14 PM EDT
Path of the storm: National Hurricane Center reveals movements of Hurricane Melissa
The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope.
The category 5 storm is now moving northeastwards across the island at 9 mph. Its center, or eye, has located 25 miles southeast of Negril, Jamaica.
It is expected to continue its past northeast, arriving in Cuba on Wednesday.
Oct 28, 2025 at 02:08 PM EDT
Hurricane Hunters face severe turbulence inside Melissa’s eye
Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters encountered intense turbulence Tuesday morning while flying into the eye of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. The unit reported that the aircraft briefly experienced stronger-than-normal forces before safely returning to its base in Curaçao for inspection, a routine safety measure.
The incident follows a similar disruption on Monday, when a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft aborted its mission due to severe turbulence. Both flights were part of ongoing efforts to gather critical data from inside Melissa, which has sustained winds of 185 mph and remains one of the most powerful storms of the 2025 Atlantic season.
Oct 28, 2025 at 02:01 PM EDT
One of the oldest bridges in Jamaica disappears under floodwaters in new video
A new video, shared by AccuWeather, shows a landmark bridge in Jamaica being flooded as Hurricane Melissa brings torrential rain and powerful winds to the island.
The Flat Bridge, one of the oldest in Jamaica, is seen in a clip from Monday, as cars drive over it while rushing floodwaters go by underneath.
Just one day later, a second clip shows the bridge is now entirely submerged under floodwaters which pour over the top.
Oct 28, 2025 at 01:57 PM EDT
Jamaicans describe chaos and fear as Hurricane Melissa batters Island
As Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, residents shared harrowing accounts of the storm’s impact. Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps worker sheltering in Portmore, described relentless winds and widespread anxiety. “Outside, trees are being violently tossed in the wind, and the noise is relentless,” he told The New York Times. “People are anxious and just trying to hold on until the storm passes.”
In St. Catherine Parish, Verona Sharma said part of her roof was lifted and her yard was rapidly flooding. She had prepared by cutting down a nearby tree, securing her roof with blocks, and storing clean water in bottles and drums. Her experience reflects the growing desperation across the island as Melissa’s 185 mph winds continue to wreak havoc.
Oct 28, 2025 at 01:47 PM EDT
National Hurricane Center urges Jamaican residents to shelter in place as Hurricane Melissa passes overhead
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued an alert, warning Jamaican residents to shelter in place as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall.
"This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation," NHC warned in the alert, shared on X, alongside satellite imagery of the storm over Jamaica.
"Do not leave your shelter as the eye passes over.... To protect yourself from the wind, the best thing you can do is put as many walls as possible between you and the outside."
Oct 28, 2025 at 01:44 PM EDT
Cuba evacuates over 400,000 ahead of Hurricane Melissa as supplies run short
As Hurricane Melissa approached Cuba, more than 424,000 residents evacuated by Tuesday morning, far outpacing Jamaica’s shelter turnout. In Guantánamo Province, entire communities in flood-prone lowlands, such as Valle de Caujerí and San Antonio del Sur, were relocated, with many housed in converted university shelters.
Despite widespread frustration with government calls to stock up on food and water amid chronic shortages, Cubans mobilized quickly. Officials enforced mandatory evacuations for those in high-risk areas, while others moved in with relatives or to inland schools staffed with medical personnel.
The island’s ongoing economic crisis, marked by frequent power outages and fuel scarcity, has compounded fears. As Melissa’s 185 mph winds neared, residents braced for impact with limited resources and growing uncertainty.
Oct 28, 2025 at 01:31 PM EDT
Hurricane Melissa’s winds may strip Jamaica’s forests bare, echoing Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico
Hurricane Melissa’s extreme winds are expected to dramatically alter Jamaica’s lush landscape, stripping leaves from trees and snapping branches across the island’s mountainous terrain. Similar damage was seen in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria’s 155 mph strike in 2017, which left El Yunque National Forest visibly brown and bare in satellite imagery weeks later.
Despite the visual devastation, NASA found that 87% of Puerto Rico's tree trunks remained standing, allowing many forests to recover quickly. With Melissa’s 185 mph winds targeting Jamaica’s high elevations, experts warn that a comparable defoliation event could unfold — one visible from both the ground and space.
Oct 28, 2025 at 01:29 PM EDT
Jamaica residents describe ‘incredibly rough’ conditions as Melissa makes landfall
Rebecca Allen, who lives in Southfield, in the south of Jamaica, described the conditions on the island at Hurricane Melissa makes landfall.
“It is incredibly rough here. Lots of things are flying around, the wind speeds are incredible," she told the BBC.
Allen added that her community was still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. This time, she said her family was better prepared but said that the island had never experienced a category five storm before.
"We've tried our best, that's all I can say," she added.
Oct 28, 2025 at 01:18 PM EDT
Did Hurricane Melissa make landfall?
Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope in southwestern Jamaica at 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, packing sustained winds of 185 mph and a central pressure of 892 millibars. The National Hurricane Center called it one of the most powerful hurricane landfalls ever recorded in the Atlantic basin.
Officials warned residents not to leave shelter during the eye’s passage, as dangerous winds will rapidly return on the opposite side. The storm’s slow northeastward movement continues to pose life-threatening risks, with southeastern Cuba next in its path. The NHC urged Jamaicans to remain in interior rooms, use mattresses for protection, and wear helmets if available.
Oct 28, 2025 at 01:12 PM EDT
Hurricane Melissa wind map shows 140 mph wind speeds not recorded since devastating Hurricane Dorian
AccuWeather Vice President of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin said that Hurricane Melissa's sustained wind speeds match those of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 which killed at least 152 people across the Bahamas and the U.S.
"Key power plants, water treatment facilities, airports, shipping ports, and fuel terminals are all at risk of extensive damage or destruction in the hardest hit areas,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter added.
“Especially in the areas where the core of the destructive winds travel, from south to north across the island, some communities may be unrecognizable given the level of catastrophic damage.”
Oct 28, 2025 at 01:05 PM EDT
Cruise lines reroute ships to avoid Hurricane Melissa as Jamaica braces for historic landfall
As Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 5 storm, cruise lines swiftly adjusted itineraries to steer clear of its path through the Central Caribbean. With sustained winds of 160 mph and a slow forward speed of five mph, Melissa became the third Category 5 hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season and is expected to be the strongest ever to strike Jamaica.
Mandatory evacuations were issued in coastal areas, including parts of Kingston, where Norman Manley International Airport shut down Saturday evening. The storm has already claimed four lives in Hispaniola, and hurricane warnings remain in effect for southeastern Cuba and parts of the Bahamas.
Cruise operators, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea, and Carnival, have rerouted ships scheduled initially to visit Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, and other eastern Caribbean ports. Most sailings remain active but now feature alternate stops in Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, and extended sea days to avoid the storm’s impact.
Oct 28, 2025 at 12:52 PM EDT
Hurricane Melissa rain map shows three feet of rainfall expected in parts of Jamaica
Oct 28, 2025 at 12:51 PM EDT
Jamaica at risk of treacherous mudslides and flooding
The devastating storm currently battering Jamaica is likely to cause "life-threatening" flooding and mudslides as some areas are expected to receive more than three feet of rainfall.
"The destruction could be unlike anything people in Jamaica have seen before. The island has never taken a direct hit from a Category 4 or a Category 5 hurricane in recorded history," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said in a statement to Newsweek. “People across Jamaica are facing the most extreme hurricane impacts the island has ever experienced in recorded history."
DaSilva warned that the catastrophic wind speeds combined with the slow movement of the storm are a "deadly and destructive combination."
"The uplifting motion forcing moisture-filled air over the mountains will squeeze out extreme amounts of rain. Some areas could see more than 3 feet of rainfall. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides will worsen as Melissa treks across the island," he added.
Oct 28, 2025 at 12:50 PM EDT
Where hurricanes form—and which U.S. states are most at risk
Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that typically form over warm ocean waters in tropical and subtropical regions. For the United States, the Atlantic Basin, including the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the western Atlantic Ocean, is the most active zone. Florida, Texas, and North Carolina are among the states most frequently impacted.
Many Atlantic hurricanes originate as tropical waves off the coast of western Africa, intensifying as they move westward. The Eastern Pacific also sees significant hurricane activity, especially during El Niño years. In the Indian Ocean, these storms are known as cyclones and frequently affect South Asia, East Africa, and parts of Australia. In the Western Pacific, they’re known as typhoons and pose a significant threat to Southeast Asia.
Florida’s geography makes it especially vulnerable, with frequent landfalls from both the Atlantic and Gulf sides. Texas faces intense storms from the Gulf of Mexico, while North Carolina’s Atlantic coastline makes it the most hurricane-prone state outside the Gulf region. Louisiana ranks third in the number of hurricane landfalls, with many storms originating in the Gulf.
Understanding where hurricanes form and which areas are most at risk helps communities prepare for these destructive natural events.
Oct 28, 2025 at 12:37 PM EDT
Jamaica keeps grid online as Hurricane Melissa cuts power to southern parishes
Despite Hurricane Melissa’s approach, most hospitals in Jamaica remain powered, with only a few relying on generators, Energy and Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz confirmed Tuesday. “There is no plan at this point to shut down the grid,” he said during a news briefing.
However, Jamaica Public Service reported that over one-third of its customers were without electricity as of 8 a.m., primarily in the southern and western parishes of St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover, and St. James. Crews are monitoring conditions as the Category 5 storm continues to impact infrastructure across the island.
Oct 28, 2025 at 12:29 PM EDT
Eye of Hurricane melissa can ‘level anything in its path,’ warns meteorologist
The path of Hurricane Melissa's eye of the storm is set to leave a trail of devastation behind it, experts warned on Tuesday.
“Along the path of Melissa’s eyewall, wind gusts can be comparable to that of an EF-3 or EF-4 tornado, which can essentially level anything in its path,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said in a statement to Newsweek.
“Wind gusts of this magnitude can last for hours, especially in areas that do not experience a brief break in the eye of the storm. This zone of catastrophic wind gusts can span 20-30 miles wide and extend from the southern shores to the northern shores of Jamaica."
A map showing Melissa's eye's path reveals it will move directly through the center of Jamaica before passing over the southeast part of Cuba on Wednesday and passing over Georgetown later that evening.
Oct 28, 2025 at 12:23 PM EDT
Experts warn of unprecedented threat as Hurricane Melissa nears Jamaica
On CNN News Central, United Cajun Navy Vice President Brian Trascher and Jamaica’s top meteorologist Evan Thompson issued stark warnings as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island. Trascher described the Category 5 storm as resembling “a very, very large tornado,” emphasizing the danger of “trillions of gallons of water” pouring down Jamaica’s mountainous terrain.
Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, said the country is facing an unprecedented threat. “We’ve never experienced a Category 5 hurricane,” he noted, adding that concerns span from coastal surge zones to inland highlands. Both experts urged residents to take maximum precautions as the storm nears landfall.
Oct 28, 2025 at 12:10 PM EDT
Guantánamo Bay residents shelter ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s approach
Residents at the U.S. Navy base in Guantánamo Bay were ordered into shelters Tuesday morning as Hurricane Melissa nears the region. With Jamaica bracing for landfall within hours, the Category 5 storm is expected to reach southeastern Cuba early Wednesday as an “extremely dangerous major hurricane.”
The base designated its community gym and newly constructed K-12 school as primary shelters for the roughly 3,000 remaining residents. Evacuees were instructed to bring three days’ worth of food and water. Pets are being housed separately, and National Guard troops assigned to the detention facility have access to dedicated storm-ready buildings.
About 1,000 nonessential personnel, including Navy and contractor families, were evacuated earlier in the week.
Oct 28, 2025 at 12:05 PM EDT
Hurricane Melissa death toll reaches 7
At least seven people have died as a result of Hurricane Melissa as the Category 5 story buffets the Caribbean.
Local media reports that three people have died in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another is missing.
Another three were killed in Jamaica while trying to prepare for the hurricane making landfall, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said Monday, according to the Jamaica Gleaner. Two died while cutting trees and third was electrocuted, Associated Press reports. Another 13 were injured as locals rushed to prepare for the worst storm in history.
Oct 28, 2025 at 12:02 PM EDT
Life-threatening storm surge of up to 18 ft hits Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall
Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in Jamaica, bringing powerful winds, life-threatening storm surges of up to 18 ft, and heavy rainfall to the island.
“The intense storm surge, extreme rain, and destructive winds can damage critical infrastructure across Jamaica. A catastrophic storm surge up to 18 feet is possible, just east of where the storm makes landfall. Key power plants, water treatment facilities, airports, shipping ports, and fuel terminals are all at risk of extensive damage or destruction in the hardest hit areas,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a statement to Newsweek.
“Especially in the areas where the core of the destructive winds travel, from south to north across the island, some communities may be unrecognizable given the level of catastrophic damage.”
Oct 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM EDT
Jamaica faces catastrophic impact as Hurricane Melissa nears with 215 mph gusts
Hurricane Melissa is poised to unleash devastating damage across Jamaica, with forecasts warning of up to 18 feet of storm surge, wind gusts of up to 215 mph, and more than 3 feet of rainfall in some areas. The eyewall’s gusts are expected to rival EF3 to EF4 tornadoes, potentially lasting for hours in the hardest-hit regions.
The Category 5 storm is one of the most intense ever to approach the island, threatening widespread destruction from coastal flooding to inland landslides. Melissa is expected to make a second landfall in southeastern Cuba late Tuesday or early Wednesday before continuing toward the Bahamas. Authorities urge immediate shelter as life-threatening conditions intensify.
Oct 28, 2025 at 11:57 AM EDT
Understanding the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) is a widely used system for classifying hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds and potential for damage. Developed to help communicate storm intensity, the scale ranges from Category 1 to Category 5, with each level indicating increasing severity.
- Category 1 (74–95 mph): Minimal damage, primarily to unanchored mobile homes and vegetation.
- Category 2 (96–110 mph): Moderate damage, including roof and siding loss and power outages.
- Category 3 (111–129 mph): Extensive damage; structural harm to small buildings and widespread power loss.
- Category 4 (130–156 mph): Severe damage; significant loss of roofing and walls, especially in well-built homes.
- Category 5 (157+ mph): Catastrophic damage; complete roof failure and building collapse are possible.
The SSHWS focuses solely on wind speed and does not account for storm surge, rainfall, or tornadoes, which can also pose serious threats during hurricanes. Meteorologists use this scale to guide emergency planning and public safety messaging, helping communities prepare for the potential impact of approaching storms.
Oct 28, 2025 at 11:52 AM EDT
Jamaica’s energy minister says electric grid impacted by hurricane, blackouts across the island
Jamaica’s energy and transport minister Daryl Vaz said that Hurricane Melissa is already impacting the electricity grid and has caused multiple outages across the island.
Around 240,000 customers have been left without power as the Category 5 storm's powerful winds knocks down trees, and forced service closures.
Oct 28, 2025 at 11:43 AM EDT
What is the strongest hurricane ever recorded?
Hurricane Patricia remains the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere. In October 2015, the storm reached sustained winds of 215 mph and a minimum central pressure of 872 millibars—making it the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in the region.
Globally, Patricia ranks second only to Typhoon Tip (1979), which had a slightly lower pressure of 870 millibars. Patricia’s unprecedented strength was measured off Mexico’s Pacific coast and continues to serve as a benchmark in the history of extreme weather.
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Oct 28, 2025 at 11:35 AM EDT
IN PICTURES: Powerful winds strike the coast of Jamaica
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Oct 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM EDT
Rewind: Hurricane Wilma’s 2005 rampage set Atlantic pressure record
Hurricane Wilma became one of the most intense storms in Atlantic history during its October 2005 rampage. Originating from a broad area of disturbed weather in the Caribbean, Wilma rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on October 19, reaching a record-low central pressure of 882 millibars and peak winds of 175 mph.
The storm made landfall twice in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula at Category 4 strength before crossing into the Gulf of Mexico and striking South Florida as a Category 3 hurricane on October 24. Wilma caused widespread wind damage, particularly in areas like Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton, which remained in the eyewall for hours.
After exiting Florida, Wilma briefly regained Category 2 strength before weakening and losing tropical characteristics near Nova Scotia. Its rapid intensification and destructive path made it one of the most memorable hurricanes of the 2005 season.
Oct 28, 2025 at 11:17 AM EDT
‘Storm of the Century’: Hurricane Melissa slams Jamaica with record-breaking force
Hurricane Melissa is delivering what experts are calling the most extreme hurricane impacts Jamaica has ever recorded. With wind gusts topping 160 mph and rainfall totals expected to exceed three feet, the storm’s slow crawl across the island is compounding its devastation.
“People across Jamaica are facing the most extreme hurricane impacts the island has ever experienced in recorded history,” said Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather. “The catastrophic wind speeds combined with the slow forward motion of this storm are a deadly and destructive combination.”
Towns in Melissa’s path are enduring hours of punishing winds, while mountainous terrain is forcing moisture-laden air upward, triggering torrential rain and life-threatening mudslides. “Some areas could see 3 feet or more of rainfall,” DaSilva warned. “The storm surge pushed into the bays and along the coastline could damage or wipe out critical infrastructure.”
The storm is also historic in its intensity. “Melissa will go down in history as one of the slowest and one of the strongest October hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin,” DaSilva said. “Melissa surpassed the lowest minimum central pressure ever recorded for a hurricane this late in the season.”
With roads and bridges at risk of collapse and entire communities potentially cut off, emergency response will be severely hampered. “Rescues will be virtually impossible during the peak of the storm impacts,” DaSilva added. “Search, rescue, and recovery operations will be incredibly challenging and dangerous after the storm passes.”
Oct 28, 2025 at 11:10 AM EDT
Hurricane Melissa hours from Jamaica landfall, Cuba next in path
The National Hurricane Center has confirmed that Hurricane Melissa’s core is expected to make landfall in Jamaica within hours. The Category 5 storm remains extremely powerful, with sustained winds of 185 mph and no significant weakening forecast before impact.
Melissa is projected to continue its destructive path across southeastern Cuba early Wednesday, maintaining its status as an “extremely dangerous major hurricane.” Forecasters warn of catastrophic wind damage, flooding, and storm surge as the system moves through the Caribbean. Authorities urge residents in affected areas to shelter immediately.
Oct 28, 2025 at 11:04 AM EDT
Deadliest and costliest hurricanes in history: from Katrina to Mitch
Some of the most devastating hurricanes in recorded history have left lasting scars through staggering death tolls and economic destruction. Hurricane Katrina (2005) remains the costliest U.S. hurricane, causing $125 billion in damage and claiming 1,833 lives. Hurricane Harvey (2017) matched Katrina’s financial toll, while Hurricane Ian (2022) inflicted $113 billion in damage and killed 161 people.
The deadliest Atlantic hurricane on record is the Great Hurricane of 1780, which tore through the Caribbean and killed an estimated 25,000 people. Hurricane Mitch (1998) ranks second in fatalities, with over 11,000 deaths and thousands more missing across Central America due to catastrophic flooding and mudslides.
Other historic storms include Hurricane Maria (2017), which devastated Puerto Rico and caused nearly 3,000 deaths, and Hurricane Gilbert (1988), which struck Jamaica with 150 mph winds and a nine-foot surge. These storms underscore the immense human and economic cost of extreme tropical cyclones.
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Oct 28, 2025 at 10:57 AM EDT
Hurricane Melissa targets Jamaica’s key farming region, spares capital
While Kingston is expected to avoid the worst of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s vital agricultural hub in St. Elizabeth Parish faces a direct hit. The Category 5 storm is projected to make landfall near Negril, roughly 135 miles west of the capital, threatening widespread damage to crops and infrastructure.
St. Elizabeth, the island’s most productive farming region, was already battered last year by Hurricane Beryl, which passed offshore as a Category 4 storm. Melissa’s stronger winds and slower movement could bring even greater destruction, raising concerns about food supply and economic recovery in the months ahead.
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