Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 5, the most powerful level there is, and is barreling directly for Jamaica. The hurricane is blowing 175 miles per hour and meteorologists claim it’s continuing to build strength. Three individuals in Jamaica have perished from the storm so far, and four others died in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The hurricane is due to strike Jamaica early Tuesday morning.
This may be Jamaica’s most powerful hurricane in history. The U.S. National Hurricane Center is reporting catastrophic and potentially life-threatening conditions. The storm is advancing at a slow pace, and so it will pour heavy rain on the same places for hours on end. This raises the threat of flooding and landslides on the island.
Government Tells People to Leave Hazard Zones
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has directed all residents of low-lying areas to evacuate their homes immediately. It’s not a choice anymore – it’s mandatory. The government opened 881 emergency shelters nationwide and they are all available for anyone who does not have a place to go. All public schools went online and both international airports in Kingston and Montego Bay closed over the weekend.
Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said in a BBC report that Jamaica is bracing for a storm “the likes of which we have never seen.” She indicated some areas on the island might receive as much as 40 inches of rain. Those are levels of rainfall Jamaica has never seen. The worst part is that October is already the rainy season in the country, so the earth is saturated and cannot take any more water.
Floods and Landslides Great Risk
The National Hurricane Center forecast that Jamaica is expected to receive 15 to 30 inches of rain, with certain sections potentially receiving as much as 40 inches. That’s more than three feet of water. Cuba and the Bahamas’ southeastern parts will receive considerable rain as well. With the ground already saturated and with enormous amounts of fresh rain, extensive flooding is all but assured, particularly in mountainous terrain where landslides pose a serious threat.
When the hurricane makes landfall, damaging winds of up to 130 mph will leave communities in the dark and cut off. Storm surges may drive water 13 feet above normal ground level along the coast. Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the southeastern Bahamas are also being warned for life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides. Dixon noted that the previous hurricane that directly impacted Jamaica was 37 years ago, and so a lot of people don’t know what to expect. She wants everyone to take this storm seriously and get to safety immediately.
News at Glance
- Hurricane Melissa intensified to Category 5 with 175 mph winds, strongest storm of 2025
- Three already killed in Jamaica, four others in Haiti and Dominican Republic
- Projected to be the most powerful hurricane ever recorded to strike Jamaica
- Parts may receive 40 inches of rain leading to catastrophic flooding and landslides
- Prime Minister ordered evacuations mandatory with 881 free shelters available throughout Jamaica
FAQs
Q: What is the category of Hurricane Melissa and how powerful is it?
A: Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane, which is the most severe and potent category. The storm has wind speeds of 175 miles per hour and continues to intensify as it approaches Jamaica.
Q: When will the hurricane strike Jamaica?
A: Hurricane Melissa will come ashore in Jamaica before early Tuesday morning. The storm is moving very slowly, so the hazardous conditions will persist longer.
Q: How much rain will Jamaica receive from this storm?
A: Weather forecasters are expecting anywhere from 15 to 30 inches of rain over Jamaica. As much as 40 inches in some mountainous regions, never before in the nation’s record history.
Q: Must people evacuate?
A: Yes, Prime Minister Andrew Holness decreed mandatory evacuations for all residents in low-lying communities. The government closed 881 free emergency shelters and shut down both international airports and all public schools.
Q: Why is this hurricane dangerous for Jamaica?
A: There are several reasons why this is very dangerous. It may be the most powerful hurricane ever to strike Jamaica. October is normally the wettest month so the ground is already soaked. The massive amount of rain will bring on serious flooding and landslides in hills and mountains. The last direct hurricane strike was 37 years ago, so many don’t know what to anticipate
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