Jamaica Braces for Historic Landfall of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa
October 28, 2025
Kingston, Jamaica – The island nation of Jamaica is preparing for what meteorologists say could be its most powerful hurricane on record. Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 system and is forecast to make landfall on Tuesday, unleashing lethal winds, catastrophic rainfall and storm surge that threaten to overwhelm coastal and inland communities alike.
Unprecedented Intensity Meets Slow Progression
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Hurricane Melissa is packing sustained winds near 175 mph (280 km/h) as it approaches Jamaica, with its forward motion crawling at only 2–4 mph (4–7 km/h). This sluggish pace is particularly dangerous: a prolonged assault of wind, rain and surge can compound damage even more severely than a fast‐moving storm.
Forecasts indicate the eyewall is likely to strike Jamaica’s south coast first—entering near the parish of St Elizabeth and potentially exiting near St Ann after cutting diagonally across the island. The NHC caution that this storm could “rival the most intense Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded.”
Life-Threatening Rainfall, Landslides and Surge
While wind damage is expected to be severe, forecasters emphasize that rainfall and flooding may pose the greater hazard. Jamaica’s mountainous terrain heightens the risk of flash floods and landslides. The NHC warns of up to one metre (≈40 inches) of rain in parts of eastern Jamaica, and heavy rainfall in adjacent Haiti and Cuba.
Compounding these threats, a storm surge of 9–13 feet (3–4 metres) is projected along Jamaica’s southern coast. Low-lying areas around Kingston, including shoreline hospitals and key infrastructure, face grave danger.
Evacuations and Infrastructure Under Strain
Jamaican authorities have activated hundreds of shelters and issued compulsory evacuation orders for high-risk coastal communities. Officials warn that no building in the region is fully resilient to a direct Category 5 strike. Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged that “the question now is the speed of recovery.”
Even before landfall, power outages are reported in parishes such as St Elizabeth, where last year’s Hurricane Beryl caused widespread destruction. Many residents are still recovering. Health officials say patients in some coastal hospitals have been moved to second floors in preparation for rising waters.
Faith, Fear and the Human Element
Despite the urgency, some residents remain reluctant to evacuate. Local tourism and business figures describe a mix of faith, resilience and denial. One hotel owner moved his family but said many others opted to stay, trusting past luck rather than heed warnings.
Everyday Jamaicans are already reporting the storm’s effects: power cuts, inventory losses in shops, anxiety over livestock and livelihoods, and the emotional toll of preparing for a crisis. One farmer said: “I do all the preparations … but now I just have to hope for the best.”
A Historic Test for Jamaica and the Atlantic Basin
Hurricane Melissa is not only a major test for Jamaica—it is shaping up to be one of the most intense landfalls in Atlantic history. With central pressure near 901 mbar and storm-force winds exceeding 175 mph, it could rank among the strongest ever recorded in the basin.
Meteorologists point out that exceptionally warm Caribbean waters and minimal wind shear created the near-perfect environment for this rapid intensification—raising further questions about climate-related influences on storm behavior.
What Happens Next?
The next 24–48 hours are critical. The storm’s slow forward motion increases the danger of prolonged destructive conditions. Even after landfall, heavy rain and flood risk will continue. Officials are already preparing for the worst: large-scale power outages, water supply failures and a humanitarian response that could require international assistance.
Jamaica now faces not just a natural disaster—but a complex recovery that will test infrastructure resilience, emergency preparedness and social cohesion.
For everyone connected to Jamaica or planning travel: **monitor official updates** from Jamaican emergency management agencies; **seek shelter immediately** if you are in a designated evacuation zone; **stockpile essentials** only if safe to do so; and **avoid coastal and flood-prone areas** until official all-clear is issued.