Hurricane Melissa category 5 hits Jamaica with 185 mph winds and death risks Por Luís Henrique Costa
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Hurricane Melissa, classified as category 5, approaches the southern coast of Jamaica this Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The U.S. National Hurricane Center confirms sustained winds of 185 mph and landfall expected in a few hours. Local authorities report at least seven storm-related deaths in the Caribbean region.
The storm causes catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and surge up to 13 feet in coastal areas. The Jamaica Meteorological Service advises seeking shelter in buildings with multiple interior walls. The government coordinates evacuations, but only 133 of over 800 shelters are occupied.
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- Current location: 40 miles southeast of Negril.
- Movement speed: 9 mph north-northeast.
- Minimum central pressure: 892 mb.
Three deaths occurred in Jamaica before arrival, including two from falling trees and one from electrocution.
Comparison with historical hurricanes
Melissa ties for second place in Atlantic wind speed, behind only Allen in 1980 with 190 mph. Gilbert in 1988, Wilma in 2005, and Dorian in 2019 also recorded 185 mph. In atmospheric pressure, it ranks third with 892 mb.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 had 175 mph and 902 mb at peak. Melissa exceeds the intensity of most recent records.
Slow movement increases risks
The storm formed in the Caribbean on October 21 and initially moved at less than 3 mph. Current speed reaches 7 mph, prolonging exposure to winds over 100 mph. Experts highlight that slow hurricanes cause prolonged damage from heavy rain.
Forecast indicates 15 to 30 inches of rainfall in Jamaica, with isolated areas up to 40 inches. Landslides are likely in mountainous regions.
Protection measures adopted
Authorities recommend shelters in interior rooms without windows. Wearing a helmet and covering with a mattress reduces debris risks. Minister Desmond McKenzie warns against leaving during the hurricane’s eye.
Winds may increase 30% in high elevations. Structures face total failure in the eyewall.
Rainfall and surge forecast
Jamaica receives up to 100 cm of rain in isolated spots. Surge reaches 9 to 13 feet on the southern coast, with destructive waves. Montego Bay records 2 to 4 feet of elevation.
Catastrophic flooding affects valleys and urban areas. Prime Minister Andrew Holness states no infrastructure withstands category 5.
Path after landfall
Melissa maintains strength upon hitting southeastern Cuba as a major hurricane. It then crosses the Bahamas as a strong hurricane. No impact is forecast on the U.S. mainland.
Deaths include three in Haiti, one in the Dominican Republic, and one person missing. Three fatalities in Jamaica involve inadequate preparations.
Shelters and evacuations underway
Government mobilizes resources for 2.8 million residents. Window for moving to higher ground shrinks rapidly. Only a fraction of shelters activated indicates underuse.
World Meteorological Organization experts classify Melissa as the storm of the century for the island.
