Hurricane Melissa has rapidly escalated into a Category 5 storm as it approaches Jamaica, threatening the island with catastrophic rainfall and potentially devastating storm surges. As of October 26, 2025, the hurricane’s maximum sustained winds reached 160 mph (260 kph), positioning it around 130 miles (205 kilometers) south-southwest of Kingston and 315 miles (505 kilometers) from Guantánamo, Cuba, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The hurricane is expected to unleash up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain, with localized regions in eastern Jamaica facing up to 40 inches (1 meter). Western Haiti might also see around 16 inches (40 centimeters). The storm’s slow movement intensifies the risk of severe flash flooding and landslides, prompting urgent warnings from officials. “Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely,” the hurricane center cautioned.
This relentless storm has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with additional missing persons reported. Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, emphasized, “I want to urge Jamaicans to take this seriously. Do not gamble with Melissa. It’s not a safe bet.” Anticipating Melissa’s landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, meteorologists warn that cleanup and damage assessments could be significantly delayed by the anticipated landslides and flooding.
Hurricane warnings have been issued for multiple provinces in Cuba, including Granma and Santiago de Cuba, while a tropical storm warning extends to Las Tunas. Residents there face up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain and a substantial storm surge. Melissa’s expected hit on eastern Cuba later on Tuesday could further exacerbate the growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica’s meteorological service, noted that Melissa could become the strongest storm to hit Jamaica in decades. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that the south coast of Jamaica could experience a storm surge peaking at 13 feet (4 meters), creating life-threatening conditions. “Don’t make foolish decisions,” cautioned Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s transport minister. “We are in a very, very serious time over the next few days.”
Consequently, the storm has already caused significant destruction in the Dominican Republic, where over 750 homes have been damaged, displacing more than 3,760 individuals. Floodwaters have isolated at least 48 communities, hampering rescue efforts. Schools and government offices in four provinces remain closed as authorities maintain a red alert.
In Haiti, where more than 5.7 million people are facing crisis levels of hunger, the storm has devastated crops, affecting food security and devastating local agriculture. The U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization has expressed alarm over the impact on harvests, stating, “Flooding is obstructing access to farmland and markets.” As the storm continues its relentless path, southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic are expected to bear the brunt of Melissa’s torrential rains in the coming days.
As the hurricane continues its perilous journey through the Caribbean, officials are urging residents to heed warnings and prepare for life-threatening conditions that lie ahead.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/26/melissa-hurricane-jamaica-haiti-caribbean.html
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Publish Date: 2025-10-27 14:55:00
