Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28, 2025, bringing winds of up to 185 mph (295 km/h). The Category 5 hurricane devastated the island, destroying infrastructure, toppling power lines, and leaving more than half a million homes without electricity. Authorities described Melissa as the most powerful hurricane ever to strike Jamaica, with some regions reporting over 30 inches of rain and storm surges up to 13 feet, reports SAFETY4SEA.
Massive Destruction and Flooding
The storm’s powerful winds and torrential rainfall caused extensive flooding and landslides, crippling transportation networks and damaging public utilities. Emergency responders struggled to reach several isolated communities as roads and bridges were washed away. The Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency, with military and rescue teams deployed across the hardest-hit areas.
Impact on Cuba and Ongoing Threats
After battering Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa maintained much of its strength and made landfall in southeastern Cuba early on October 29 as a Category 3 storm. Coastal provinces, including Santiago de Cuba and Granma, were placed under evacuation orders as heavy rains, flash floods, and strong winds swept the region. The storm continues to move north toward the Bahamas and Bermuda, though meteorologists expect gradual weakening over open waters.
Climate Change and Rapid Intensification
Meteorological experts noted that Melissa’s rapid intensification was fueled by exceptionally warm sea-surface temperatures—conditions that align with climate-change-related trends in recent years. The storm’s explosive growth underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the Atlantic basin.
Both Jamaica and Cuba have declared disaster emergencies as international relief organizations begin mobilizing aid. Early reports point to severe damage to housing, agriculture, and essential services. Officials warn that the full scale of destruction may take weeks to assess, but Hurricane Melissa has already been marked as one of the most destructive storms in the Caribbean’s history.
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Source: Safety4Sea
