How is Hurricane Melissa affecting Jamaica?

Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring catastrophic conditions to Jamaica, with a devastating storm surge, heavy rainfall, and flooding that will further damage the country's infrastructure, which was not built to withstand the effects of climate change.

What impact has climate change had on Jamaica?

Climate change has caused sea levels on Jamaica's coasts to rise by about 4 inches since 1993, and has also led to more frequent and intense weather events like heavy rainfall, drought, and prolonged heatwaves that are putting pressure on the country's water supplies, agriculture, and energy systems.

How has past hurricane damage affected Jamaica?

In 2024, Hurricane Beryl caused $6.5 billion in damage and left nearly 9,000 houses damaged in Jamaica, and the country is still recovering from the mental trauma and physical destruction caused by that storm.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa Fueled by Climate Change

Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa Fueled by Climate Change

28 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Sea levels have risen 4 inches on Jamaica's coasts since 1993
Hurricane Sandy's 10 cm sea level rise caused $8 billion in additional damage in 2012
Jamaica's infrastructure not built for climate change era, says expert

Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa Fueled by Climate Change

As of October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa is moving toward Jamaica and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday morning. Residents are preparing for catastrophic conditions, as the small island nation is highly vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate.

Over the past 32 years, sea levels on Jamaica's coasts have risen by about 4 inches, or 10 centimeters. Research has shown that even small increases in sea level can cause significant damage from storms, as the storm surge is able to reach farther inland. In 2012, when Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast of the United States, the 10 centimeters of sea level rise was found to have caused an additional $8 billion in damage.