How does Hurricane Melissa compare to past storms that have hit Jamaica?

Melissa is expected to be the strongest hurricane to ever hit Jamaica, surpassing the intensity of past major storms like Hurricane Charlie in 1951 and Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.

What are the potential impacts of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica?

Melissa is predicted to bring catastrophic damage to Jamaica, with its powerful winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall posing a grave threat to the island's mountainous terrain and vulnerable infrastructure.

Home / Weather / Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, One of the Strongest on Record

Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, One of the Strongest on Record

Q: What is the strength of Hurricane Melissa?

Hurricane Melissa has reached Category 5 strength, with sustained winds of 165 mph and a central pressure of 908 millibars, making it one of the strongest hurricanes on record.

27 Oct

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Summary

Hurricane Melissa is a rare Category 5 storm with 165 mph winds
It will be Jamaica's strongest hurricane on record, with a central pressure of 908 millibars
Fewer than half of the strongest hurricanes hit land at such intensity

On October 27, 2025, a powerful Category 5 hurricane named Melissa is poised to strike Jamaica with devastating force. Melissa has sustained winds of 165 mph and a central pressure of 908 millibars, making it one of the strongest hurricanes on record.

Only about 4% of Atlantic hurricanes ever reach Category 5 strength, and fewer than half of the most intense storms go on to hit land at such extreme intensity. Yet Melissa is set to become Jamaica's strongest hurricane in recorded history, dating back to the 1850s.

The impending landfall poses a grave threat to the island nation. Even weaker storms have caused tremendous damage and loss of life in Jamaica, such as Hurricane Charlie in 1951, which killed over 150 people. Melissa's powerful winds, storm surge, and torrential rainfall are expected to unleash catastrophic destruction across the country's mountainous terrain.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.