Hurricane Melissa Makes Catastrophic Landfall In Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica — October 28, 2025 (local): Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica today as a Category 5 monster with sustained winds near 185 mph (295 km/h) and a central pressure around 892 mb, the strongest hurricane landfall on the island since reliable records began in 1851.

The eye crossed the south coast near St. Elizabeth Parish/New Hope and is tracking north–northeast across the island, unleashing life-threatening wind, storm surge, and flooding rains.

What’s happening now

• Record-strength landfall: Melissa ties some of the most powerful Atlantic landfalls on record and is the island’s most intense direct hit in at least 174 years.
• Storm surge up to ~4 m (≈13 ft) along parts of the south coast; hurricane-force winds extend outward tens of miles, with gusts potentially near 200 mph in higher terrain.
• Casualties: At least 6–7 deaths have been reported across the Caribbean so far, including multiple in Jamaica; numbers are expected to change as assessments begin.
• Advisory snapshot: The U.S. National Hurricane Center confirmed landfall around 1 p.m. ET and continues to warn of an “extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation.”

Damage and disruptions

Early reports describe widespread structural damage, roofs torn off near the core path, downed trees and power lines, and mass power outages across several parishes. Flash flooding and landslides are ongoing, with rainfall totals projected to reach 15–30 inches (380–760 mm) in places — especially where the slow-moving eyewall stalls over mountainous terrain.

Government response and evacuations

Prime Minister Andrew Holness ordered evacuations in low-lying and surge-prone areas ahead of landfall. Authorities opened 800+ emergency shelters nationwide; humanitarian agencies estimate ~1.5 million people could be directly affected. Turnout at some shelters remained limited prior to impact, even as officials pleaded for residents to move to safety.

Airports and transport

Jamaica’s two main international airports suspended operations as the storm approached. Surface transport is disrupted across much of the island; authorities urge residents to remain off roads until the all-clear is issued.

What to expect next

Melissa is weakening slowly over land due to interaction with Jamaica’s terrain, but catastrophic wind and rainfall threats remain in the eyewall and inner bands. The system is forecast to emerge over the Caribbean and head toward eastern Cuba late Tuesday or early Wednesday, with impacts also possible in the Bahamas, Haiti, and Turks & Caicos thereafter.

Safety guidance (official highlights)

• Shelter in place until authorities announce the all-clear; do not go outside if the eye passes overhead.
• Stay away from coastlines and floodwaters. Turn around if you encounter water on roads.
• Keep phones charged; use texts for check-ins to reduce network congestion.
• Follow updates from the Met Service Jamaica and NHC for warnings and track shifts.

Climate context

Meteorologists note Melissa’s rapid intensification over exceptionally warm western Caribbean waters, consistent with research showing that warmer seas and moister atmospheres can fuel more extreme hurricanes. While attribution studies take time, scientists say this event fits a concerning trend of stronger, wetter storms in a warming climate.