The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services (TTMS) has formally declared the conclusion of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season as of November 30. This season’s activity fell slightly below the historical average, generating 13 named storms. Among these, five intensified into hurricanes, with four reaching major hurricane status—defined by sustained winds exceeding 111 miles per hour.
The season, however, was marked by its exceptional intensity rather than its frequency. The most catastrophic event was Hurricane Melissa, which etched its name in history as the first Category Five storm to make direct landfall on Jamaica. Striking the island nation on October 28 with devastating winds of 185 mph (approximately 298 km/h), Melissa unleashed widespread destruction. The hurricane triggered severe flooding, crippled critical infrastructure, and led to a profound humanitarian crisis.
In response to the unprecedented damage, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the entire country a disaster zone. The official toll has been staggering, with preliminary estimates placing the cost of damage near $48 billion and a confirmed death toll of 75 individuals. The aftermath continues to pose severe challenges, including the outbreak of waterborne diseases in affected regions, hampering recovery efforts.
The National Hurricane Center confirmed that Hurricane Melissa was not only the third Category Five hurricane of the season but also ranks among the most powerful Atlantic Basin hurricanes ever recorded. Its impact was felt across the Caribbean, inflicting extensive damage on Jamaica, Hispaniola, and eastern Cuba, leaving a lasting scar on the region.