Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm early Tuesday (October 28), marking it as the strongest hurricane globally in 2025 with sustained winds of 175 mph (280 km/h). The system is tracking slowly northwest at 2 mph, with landfall projected along Jamaica’s southern coast around midday. Jamaican officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for over 50,000 residents in low-lying areas, including parts of Kingston, due to life-threatening storm surge and flooding risks.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported a central pressure of 901 mb—one of the lowest on record for Atlantic storms—indicating extreme intensity. Jamaica, home to 2.8 million people, has not faced a direct Category 5 landfall since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Prime Minister Andrew Holness activated the national disaster response system and urged citizens to seek shelter immediately.
The slow forward speed extends exposure to hurricane-force winds, which extend 30 miles from the center. Emergency teams prepositioned supplies in higher elevations, where terrain could amplify wind speeds by up to 30%.
- Mandatory evacuations in flood-prone coastal zones;
- Closure of Norman Manley and Sangster International Airports;
- Activation of 880 shelters across the island.
Rapid intensification and track
Melissa originated from a tropical wave off West Africa on October 21. It strengthened into a tropical depression, then escalated to Category 4 over the weekend while traversing the central Caribbean.
Reconnaissance aircraft data confirmed the storm’s escalation to Category 5 overnight, with peak gusts exceeding 190 mph. The NHC forecasts Melissa to maintain major hurricane status through landfall, followed by a path toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas.
Tropical storm-force winds reached Jamaica’s southern coast at dawn, with wave heights building to 13 feet.
Emergency operations in Kingston
National authorities implemented contingency plans in the capital, where nearly 1 million residents fortified homes against surge. Sandbags were distributed in vulnerable neighborhoods, and power companies reinforced transmission lines.
Fewer than 1,000 people initially sought public shelters despite warnings. Health officials stockpiled medical supplies in elevated facilities, anticipating community isolation for up to 48 hours.
All non-essential government services were suspended, and public transit halted island-wide.
BREAKING: Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm within a few hours, bringing catastrophic flash flooding, destructive winds, and landslides. Melissa is now the 4th strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. pic.twitter.com/rgQ63clOTa
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) October 28, 2025
Infrastructure vulnerability assessment
Destructive winds pose a total failure risk to poorly constructed buildings, especially in elevated terrain. The NHC warns of storm surge up to 13 feet along the south coast, threatening ports and power plants.
Eastern parishes face rainfall totals exceeding 40 inches—more than Kingston’s annual average—triggering widespread flash flooding and landslides. Engineering teams inspected critical bridges and highways for pre-storm integrity.
Coastal fishermen secured vessels and removed gear, while farmers harvested vulnerable crops early.
- Potential collapse of communication towers;
- Widespread power outages lasting weeks;
- Blockage of rural roads by debris and mudslides.
Regional hurricane history
No Category 5 hurricane has made direct landfall on Jamaica since Gilbert in 1988, which caused over $4 billion in damage. Melissa is the third Category 5 system of the 2025 Atlantic season, which began June 1.
Past events paralyzed local economies for weeks due to infrastructure loss. Melissa’s large wind field covers most of southern Jamaica, expanding the impact zone.
International agencies estimate 1.5 million Jamaicans may face indirect effects, including supply shortages.
The storm’s development aligns with above-average Caribbean sea surface temperatures, enabling rapid strengthening. Cuban authorities issued watches for the southeast coast in anticipation of Melissa’s post-Jamaica track. Jamaica coordinated with regional partners for post-storm aid logistics. Tourism operators canceled bookings through the weekend, and cruise lines rerouted vessels. The NHC updates forecasts every six hours, adjusting for potential speed changes that could shift landfall timing.
Mountain community preparations
High-elevation villages face enhanced wind threats due to terrain effects. Residents secured roofs and removed loose objects from properties.
