Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025, as a record-breaking Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph being the strongest hurricane ever to strike the island in nearly 174 years of records, surpassing Hurricane Gilbert’s 130 mph in 1988.
This marked the third Category 5 of the hyperactive 2025 Atlantic season and tied it for one of the most intense landfalls in the Atlantic basin. The storm’s slow movement—averaging just 2-8 mph—prolonged its devastating impacts, leading to extreme rainfall, widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure collapse across the island.
Impacts in Jamaica
Flooding and Rainfall: Up to 40 inches of rain fell in eastern Jamaica, causing catastrophic flash floods that swept through southwestern regions like Black River, submerging homes and roads under heavy waters. Boulders tumbled onto highways, and rivers overflowed, isolating communities.
Winds and Structural Damage: Gusts exceeding 185 mph ripped roofs from buildings, toppled trees, and caused extensive power outages affecting over 80% of the island. Limited communications delayed full assessments, but early reports indicate “significant infrastructure damage” to homes, hotels, and roads, with airports like Norman Manley International closed indefinitely.
Casualties and Evacuations: At least three deaths occurred during preparations, all from tree-felling accidents. Over 1,000 people sought shelter, with mass evacuations in coastal areas. As of October 29, the death toll remains unclear due to ongoing hazards, but officials warn of life-threatening storm surges on Jamaica’s northern coast.
Economic Toll: The tourism sector, vital to Jamaica’s economy, faces severe fallout, with resorts battered and flights canceled across the Caribbean. Regional neighbors like the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Turks and Caicos are also bracing for ripple effects.
By late October 28, Melissa weakened to a Category 4 storm with 145 mph winds after crossing Jamaica’s rugged terrain, but it regained strength to 130 mph as it emerged into the Caribbean Sea, centered about 15 miles east of Montego Bay.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports it’s now moving north-northeast at 8 mph toward Cuba, expected to make landfall there as a major hurricane late on October 29 or early October 30, bringing 200-400mm (8-16 inches) of rain and similar risks of flooding and surges. From there, the storm is forecast to accelerate toward the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos by October 30, potentially as a Category 3 or 4, before curving out to sea and possibly brushing Bermuda. No direct U.S. East Coast impacts are expected, but swells could generate dangerous rip currents along Florida beaches.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness described Melissa as a “storm of the century,” emphasizing that “no infrastructure can withstand a Category 5 head-on.”
The U.S. has pledged aid, with President Trump confirming readiness to assist.
Internet connectivity in Jamaica dropped to 42% of normal levels, complicating rescue efforts.
Recovery will be slow, with experts predicting months of rebuilding amid a season that’s already seen unprecedented activity. For real-time updates, monitor https://www.oyenewsgh.com/