Home / Disasters and Accidents / Rare Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Threatens Catastrophic Damage to Jamaica
Rare Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Threatens Catastrophic Damage to Jamaica
25 Oct
Summary
- Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensifying, forecast to become Category 5
- Torrential rains, extreme winds, and storm surge pose grave threats to Jamaica
- Slow movement of storm could lead to prolonged, catastrophic flooding
As of October 26, 2025, Hurricane Melissa has rapidly strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm and is forecast to become a rare Category 5 hurricane by Monday afternoon. The hurricane's center is currently located 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and it is moving at a snail's pace of just 3 mph.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a dire warning, stating that there is a "very serious situation" unfolding, with catastrophic rainfall, wind, and storm surge hazards expected for Jamaica. Torrential rains have already begun impacting Haiti and will soon spread to Jamaica, potentially bringing life-threatening, potentially catastrophic flooding.
Jamaica is expected to bear the brunt of Melissa's destructive power, with the nation likely to experience hurricane-force winds by Sunday or Monday. Downed trees, power outages, and widespread structural damage are all but guaranteed as the storm tracks near the island. Rainfall totals of up to 40 inches are possible in some areas, which could lead to extensive damage to roads and buildings, potentially isolating communities for an extended period.
Jamaican officials are already preparing for the worst, with all public hospitals in "emergency mode" and airports set to close. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged residents to take the threat seriously, as Melissa could become the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in Jamaica.
