Hurricane Melissa Intensifies, Approaching Jamaica with Catastrophic Threats

Tue Oct 28 2025 19:12:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hurricane Melissa is set to make landfall in Jamaica, bringing life-threatening conditions, including heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

As Hurricane Melissa strengthens, it is projected to become a category five storm before making landfall in Jamaica. Residents are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions, which could lead to flash flooding and landslides. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns of the storm's destructive potential, advising those in its path to seek shelter and secure their homes. Studies link increased hurricane severity with climate change, raising concerns for affected regions.

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

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

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa could bring up to 30 inches (76cm) of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft (4m). Seek shelter now, officials have advised.

This year's Atlantic hurricane season has seen Melissa become the 13th hurricane, following predictions of higher activity due to warmer ocean temperatures.

While Melissa may weaken to a category four before reaching Jamaica, the NHC emphasizes that the impacts remain severe. Preparations for damaging winds and heavy rainfall should be rushed, especially for areas including Kingston, the capital.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents to prepare adequately, advising them to secure homes and stock up on necessities. Currently, warnings extend to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and parts of eastern Cuba.

Tragically, landslides in Haiti due to the storm have already resulted in two fatalities, as reported by the nation’s Civil Protection agency. The hurricane is forecasted to pass over Cuba next and likely weaken to a category three storm by then.

While attributing individual weather events to climate change is complex, scientists note that climate change is likely intensifying such weather phenomena, with warmer oceans contributing to the formation of more severe hurricanes.