Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin, has made a devastating landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope. With maximum sustained winds reaching an unprecedented 185 mph (295 km/h) and a central pressure plummeting to 892 mb (26.34 inches), the hurricane has created an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Authorities have issued urgent warnings for residents to remain sheltered as the eye of the storm passes, emphasizing that winds will intensify rapidly once the eye moves on. The safest measures include staying in an interior room without windows, avoiding areas prone to falling trees, and using mattresses or helmets for additional protection. The storm’s current location is approximately 25 miles southeast of Negril, Jamaica, and 145 miles south of Guantanamo, Cuba, moving north-northeast at 9 mph (15 km/h). The next update will be provided at 2:00 PM EDT (18:00 UTC).
分类： world
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Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica as Historic Category 5 Storm
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm, made landfall in Jamaica with sustained winds reaching 185 mph, marking one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. The National Hurricane Center confirmed the storm’s intensity, issuing urgent warnings of catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surges, and severe flooding. The United Nations described Melissa as “the storm of the century,” emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the disaster for Jamaica, which had never before faced a direct hit from a Category 5 hurricane.
Tragically, at least seven hurricane-related fatalities have been reported across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica during storm preparations, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. In Haiti, thousands of individuals already displaced by gang violence are now confronting flooded makeshift shelters, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
As Melissa continues its destructive path, Cuba is next in line to face the storm’s wrath, with severe weather conditions expected to impact the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Bahamian authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in low-lying areas, cautioning that emergency assistance will be unavailable until the storm passes. The Disaster Risk Management Authority warned of imminent hurricane conditions, including dangerous storm surges and torrential rainfall, expected to hit the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos by Wednesday.
The Caribbean region braces for further devastation as Hurricane Melissa underscores the escalating threat of extreme weather events in the era of climate change.
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Melissa: 5th most powerful Atlantic hurricane recorded, 3 dead, 13 injured in JA preparations
Hurricane Melissa has emerged as one of the most formidable storms in Atlantic history, now ranked as the fifth most powerful on record. According to The New York Times, the hurricane is approaching landfall as a Category 5 storm, boasting sustained winds of 185 miles per hour—merely five miles shy of the record set by Hurricane Allen in 1980. This unprecedented intensity has triggered flash flooding and storm surges, prompting urgent warnings from officials. Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s disaster response coordinator, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave. Don’t bet against Melissa. It is a bet we can’t win.’ The hurricane’s eye wall, with its ferocious winds, poses a severe threat, potentially causing ‘total structural failure’ and widespread power and communication outages, as reported by the hurricane center on Monday. Tragically, at least three fatalities and thirteen injuries have already been linked to storm preparations. The Jamaica Observer noted that two deaths resulted from falling trees, while one individual was electrocuted. Injuries were primarily caused by accidental falls from ladders and roofs during preparation efforts. Fueled by the unusually warm Caribbean waters, Melissa is expected to maintain its destructive force as it moves through the region. Meanwhile, the World Food Program has pre-positioned 450 metric tons of food in Haiti, a significantly reduced stockpile due to donor focus shifting to crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
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“All Hands on Deck” Effort as Jamaica Braces for Category 5 Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica is in a state of high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds surpassing 170 mph, nears the island. The hurricane, now the most powerful storm globally this year, is expected to make landfall this afternoon, bringing catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and landslides. Authorities and residents are working tirelessly to prepare for the impending disaster, with a collective effort to ensure safety and minimize damage. Amoy Harriott, a Jamaican reporter, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that three fatalities and 13 injuries have already occurred due to storm-related incidents. Over 200,000 residents are currently without power, and shelters are rapidly filling up. Agencies such as the Jamaica Public Service Company and the National Works Agency are actively working to restore services and mitigate further disruptions. Harriott highlighted the increasing severity of the situation, with flooding and landslides already affecting parts of the island. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings, comparing the potential impact to that of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Hurricane Melissa is also expected to affect Cuba and other Caribbean regions, including the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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#MelissaAftermath: Before and after images show striking impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica’s landscape
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Caribbean island of Jamaica endured catastrophic devastation as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall on Tuesday. With relentless winds and torrential rains, the hurricane has been declared the most powerful storm ever to strike the nation. The aftermath has left four fatalities, obliterated homes, crippled critical infrastructure, and severed road networks, plunging the country into a daunting recovery process. Satellite images captured by Vantor starkly illustrate the scale of destruction in key communities such as Black River, New Hope, White House, and Montego Bay. These before-and-after visuals reveal entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, once-thriving areas now unrecognizable. The Jamaican government and international aid organizations are mobilizing emergency response efforts, but the road to recovery is expected to be long and arduous. Hurricane Melissa’s unprecedented intensity has raised concerns about the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in the region, underscoring the urgent need for climate resilience strategies.
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Jamaica in ‘really difficult’ position after Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful hurricane ever to strike the island, which unleashed winds of up to 280 kph on October 28. The storm caused catastrophic flooding and widespread infrastructural damage, leaving residents and authorities in shock. Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s Minister for Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, addressed the nation on October 29, describing the past 24 hours as exceptionally challenging. She shared harrowing images of the devastation, stating, ‘It looks really, really difficult in many parts of Jamaica. The images we are getting are really very devastating.’ Despite the grim situation, Dr. Dixon expressed optimism about the country’s resilience, emphasizing, ‘We are a strong people and we will get through it together.’ Recovery and assessment efforts are now in full swing as the nation begins to rebuild. Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa has moved on to Cuba, where it continues to wreak havoc, and is expected to impact Bermuda later this week.
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Santa Cruz resident says hometown is ‘unrecognisable’
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the town of Santa Cruz in a state of utter devastation, with one resident describing the destruction as ‘unimaginable.’ Yushaine Morgan, a local attorney and lifelong resident, shared his heart-wrenching experience with Observer Online, emphasizing the profound impact of the storm on his community. Morgan, who was seen wearing an ‘I love Santa Cruz’ shirt, explained that the garment symbolized his enduring hope and resilience in the face of catastrophe. ‘What we endured last night and yesterday surpassed anything we could have imagined, no matter how dire our predictions,’ Morgan recounted. He painted a grim picture of the town’s current state, noting that entire sections are now unrecognizable. ‘Roads have been obliterated, countless homes and businesses destroyed, roofs torn off, and many have lost vehicles and livestock,’ he added. Despite the overwhelming devastation, Morgan expressed his unwavering commitment to his hometown, stating, ‘I have no desire of ever vacating.’ The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding, with Morgan admitting uncertainty about where to begin the recovery process.
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‘It’s so sad’: St Elizabeth businessman says Hurricane Melissa worst he has seen
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — A long-time resident and business operator in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, has described Hurricane Melissa as the most severe storm he has encountered during his nearly two decades on the island. Mr Lee, who runs a local supermarket, shared his harrowing experience with Observer Online, recounting the destruction caused by the hurricane. While his property suffered minimal damage, other areas were not as fortunate, experiencing significant losses. ‘I’ve been in Jamaica for almost 20 years, and that was the first hurricane I never expected. It’s the worst. It’s so sad,’ Mr Lee lamented. Despite the challenges, he ensured the safety of his staff and remains hopeful for recovery. ‘We only got some little water and did some cleaning, but I see other places got a lot of losses. I called my staff, ensured everyone is safe, but I think we will be getting better,’ he added. The hurricane has left a trail of devastation, highlighting the resilience of the local community as they begin the arduous process of rebuilding.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Montego Bay wakes up to destruction after Hurricane Melissa
Montego Bay, St James, Jamaica, awoke to a scene of widespread destruction on Wednesday as the full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s impact became apparent. The storm, which battered the city throughout Tuesday, left a trail of devastation, with roofs torn off buildings and debris scattered across roadways. The Catherine Hall and West Green communities were particularly hard-hit, experiencing severe flooding and significant silt accumulation. The Sangster International Airport also sustained substantial damage, especially in its departure area, disrupting travel operations. Government buildings, including the St James Municipal Corporation, were not spared, with reports of shattered windows and structural harm. Authorities are still assessing the full scale of the damage, but the immediate aftermath paints a grim picture of the hurricane’s ferocity. Residents are now grappling with the challenges of recovery as they begin to rebuild their lives and communities.
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SpaceX and US partners help with Bahamas evacuations
In a coordinated effort to mitigate the impact of Hurricane Melissa, SpaceX has partnered with US and Bahamian organizations to evacuate more than 1,400 residents from the Southeast Bahamas. The hurricane, which has weakened from Category 5 to Category 4, has already caused significant devastation in western Jamaica, resulting in at least seven fatalities and widespread destruction. Flights operated yesterday transported evacuees from Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island to the safer location of New Providence. US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish emphasized the United States’ unwavering support for The Bahamas, particularly during crises, and commended SpaceX, the Love and Light Foundation, and other partners for their rapid response. Matt Wideman, founder of the Love and Light Foundation, highlighted the collaborative efforts of SpaceX, Christian airline Judah 1, the Bahamian government, and the US Embassy in organizing the evacuation. SpaceX initially provided logistical support, while Judah 1 secured a 150-seat MD-83 aircraft, and the Bahamian government deployed its own resources. Wideman praised the government’s swift action, underscoring its dedication to safeguarding lives. Judah 1, known for its disaster relief missions, contributed three aircraft and partnered with the government to share operational costs. Meanwhile, SpaceX has pledged 30 days of free Starlink service to ensure uninterrupted communication in affected areas. The company’s involvement follows a landmark agreement with The Bahamas earlier this year, allowing Falcon 9 rocket boosters to land off the Exumas. As the region braces for further impacts, post-storm relief efforts are already underway, with plans to deliver Starlink units and power supplies to Jamaica.