Powerful Hurricane Melissa Batters Jamaica, Threatens Bermuda

On October 30th, 2025, Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 3 storm, made landfall in Cuba after causing extensive damage in Jamaica. Melissa struck the southern coast of eastern Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h, marking the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Caribbean island's history.

Prior to reaching Cuba, Melissa had already tied the record for the strongest hurricane at landfall in Jamaica, with a central pressure of 892 mb. The hurricane brought catastrophic flash flooding and landslides to the region, with rainfall totals reaching up to 635 mm in some areas.

As Melissa continues on its forecast path, the hurricane's core is expected to pass near or to the west of Bermuda late on Thursday and Thursday night. Residents of the island can anticipate heavy rainfall, with totals ranging from 25 mm to 50 mm, potentially leading to flash flooding. Swells generated by Melissa are also expected to reach the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Bermuda in the coming days.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has already seen three Category 5 hurricanes, making it the second season on record to surpass this milestone, after 2005. Melissa's rapid intensification and record-breaking strength have underscored the increasing severity of storms in the region due to climate change.