What is the current status of Hurricane Melissa?

Hurricane Melissa has weakened slightly but is still a powerful Category 4 storm after making landfall in Jamaica.

How strong was Hurricane Melissa when it hit Jamaica?

Hurricane Melissa was the strongest-ever storm to directly hit Jamaica, with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour when it made landfall.

What impact is Hurricane Melissa expected to have on Jamaica?

Experts warn that the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa could be unlike anything the people of Jamaica have seen before, with the potential for up to 30 inches of rain in some areas.

Home / Weather / Powerful Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica, Heads to Cuba

Powerful Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica, Heads to Cuba

29 Oct

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Summary

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 4 storm
Melissa is the strongest hurricane to ever directly hit the Caribbean nation
The storm could bring up to 30 inches of rain to parts of Jamaica

Powerful Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica, Heads to Cuba

On October 28th, 2025, Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica as a powerful Category 4 storm, making it the strongest hurricane to ever directly hit the Caribbean nation. The hurricane made landfall near the town of New Hope, about 39 miles south of Montego Bay, with sustained winds of 185 mph.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Melissa could bring up to 30 inches of rain to parts of Jamaica and up to 12 inches to the island of Hispaniola. AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, warned that "the island has never taken a direct hit from a Category 4 or a Category 5 hurricane in recorded history" and that "the destruction could be unlike anything people in Jamaica have seen before."

Satellite imagery captured on October 27th showed the massive eye of Hurricane Melissa rotating and generating a powerful lightning storm in its center as it approached the island. The storm is now heading towards Cuba, and authorities are urging residents to prepare for its arrival.