As of Tuesday morning, October 28, Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, is approaching Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (280 km/h). This makes it the most powerful hurricane of 2025 and potentially the strongest ever recorded to directly strike the island Guardian.
Melissa is currently located approximately 115 miles (185 km) west-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica. The storm is expected to make landfall along Jamaica’s southern coast later today, bringing life-threatening conditions including severe storm surges, heavy rainfall, and widespread power outages The Weather Channel.
Storm Surge: Up to 13 feet (4 meters) along the southern coast, particularly affecting the western half of the island.
Rainfall: 15 to 30 inches (380 to 760 mm), with some areas receiving up to 40 inches (1,000 mm), leading to catastrophic flash flooding and landslides Guardian.
Wind Damage: Category 5 winds causing widespread structural damage and power outages.
Casualties: At least seven deaths have been reported across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, due to flooding and landslides The Independent.
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuations for vulnerable coastal and flood-prone areas. Over 52,000 households are without power, and emergency services are on high alert. The Red Cross estimates that up to 1.5 million people in Jamaica may be directly affected by the storm Guardian.
Hurricane Melissa is expected to weaken as it moves over Jamaica but will continue to pose significant risks to eastern Cuba and the Bahamas. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant and follow official advisories.
For real-time updates and safety information, please refer to local authorities and trusted news sources. https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
