What is the expected impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica?

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, is expected to bring catastrophic damage to Jamaica, with wind gusts over 300 km/h, storm surges up to 4 meters, and the potential for widespread devastation.

How is the Jamaican government preparing for Hurricane Melissa?

The Jamaican government has ordered mandatory evacuations in parts of the country, set up over 800 shelters, and maintained a $33 million emergency response budget and insurance provisions to deal with the expected damage.

How many people in Jamaica are expected to be affected by Hurricane Melissa?

According to the International Federation of the Red Cross, over 1.5 million people in Jamaica are expected to be directly affected by the storm.

Home / Weather / Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Impact as Hurricane Melissa Nears

Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Impact as Hurricane Melissa Nears

28 Oct

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Summary

Hurricane Melissa to hit Jamaica as a Category 5 storm
Authorities order mandatory evacuations ahead of landfall
Over 1.5 million people expected to be directly affected

Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Impact as Hurricane Melissa Nears

On October 29, 2025, Jamaica will face the brunt of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm that is expected to be the worst to hit the Caribbean island this century. According to a UN official, the storm will bring a "catastrophic situation" to the country, with the potential for flash flooding, landslides, and total structural failure near the center of the storm.

Authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations in parts of southern Jamaica, including the historic town of Port Royal, as the storm is predicted to bring wind gusts exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph) and storm surges up to 4 meters (13 feet). The International Federation of the Red Cross has stated that over 1.5 million people in Jamaica are expected to be directly affected, with roofs tested, flood waters rising, and many facing isolation.

Despite the government's preparations, including a $33 million emergency response budget and insurance provisions, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has acknowledged that "no infrastructure in the region can withstand a Category 5" storm. The country is bracing for a devastating impact as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall.