Home / Weather / Powerful Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica, Forcing Evacuation of Storm Hunters
Powerful Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica, Forcing Evacuation of Storm Hunters
27 Oct
Summary
- Hurricane Melissa is a Category 5 storm with 175 mph winds
- NOAA Hurricane Hunters had to exit the storm due to severe turbulence
- Catastrophic, life-threatening damage expected in Jamaica as Melissa makes landfall
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, is set to make landfall in Jamaica, bringing catastrophic, life-threatening damage to the Caribbean island nation. According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa has maximum sustained wind gusts reaching 175 mph, making it an extremely dangerous system.
Earlier this week, the NOAA and Air Force Reserves' Hurricane Hunters aircraft flew into the storm to collect data on its strength. However, the hurricane-force winds triggered severe turbulence, forcing the NOAA aircraft to abandon its mission. The NHC report stated that "the NOAA aircraft left the storm early after experiencing severe turbulence in the southwestern eyewall."
As Melissa approaches Jamaica, the NHC is urging residents to shelter in place, warning that "catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely." The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with some areas potentially seeing up to 40 inches. A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet above ground level is also anticipated along the south coast of Jamaica.
The southeastern coast of Cuba could also see a peak storm surge of up to 11 feet above normal tide levels as Melissa moves through the region. Meteorologists warn that the devastation to the electricity infrastructure may take months to repair, and access to food refrigeration and safe drinking water may be limited for an extended period.
