How will Melissa's slow movement impact Jamaica?

The slow movement of Melissa is expected to exacerbate the conditions, making the impact even more severe, with catastrophic winds, heavy rainfall, and the threat of devastating mudslides.

What is Jamaica's history of direct hurricane hits?

While Jamaica has faced direct hurricane hits in the past, such as Hurricane Charlie in 1951, Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, all of which were Category 3 storms or weaker, the upcoming landfall of Melissa could be the strongest on record for the island.

Home / Weather / Jamaica Braces for Strongest Hurricane Landfall in Recorded History

Jamaica Braces for Strongest Hurricane Landfall in Recorded History

26 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Melissa expected to make landfall in Jamaica as a high-end Category 4 or Category 5 hurricane
Could be the strongest direct hurricane hit on the island since record-keeping began
Slow movement of the storm will worsen conditions with catastrophic winds, rainfall, and mudslides

Jamaica Braces for Strongest Hurricane Landfall in Recorded History

On October 26, 2025, Jamaica is bracing for the strongest hurricane landfall the island has experienced in recorded history. According to the National Hurricane Center, Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica as an upper-end Category 4 hurricane, which could be the strongest direct hit the island has faced since tropical cyclone record-keeping began in the Atlantic Basin.

While Melissa could potentially strengthen into a Category 5 storm before landfall, the practical difference between the two categories is minimal. Regardless of the final classification, the island will face catastrophic winds, heavy rainfall, and the threat of devastating mudslides. The slow movement of the storm is expected to exacerbate the conditions, making the impact even more severe.