Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa Threatens Devastating Impacts on Jamaica

As of October 26th, 2025, Hurricane Melissa is a rapidly intensifying major hurricane that is forecast to reach Category 5 status before making a catastrophic, multi-day strike on Jamaica. The storm has already rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 3 hurricane in just 12 hours, and it continues to strengthen quickly.

Melissa's slow forward speed of less than 5 mph is a major concern, as it will lead to prolific rainfall in parts of Haiti and Jamaica. The National Hurricane Center is warning that up to 40 inches of rain could fall in southern Hispaniola and Jamaica through Wednesday, triggering widespread, life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, especially in hilly and mountainous terrain.

In addition to the extreme rainfall, Melissa is forecast to bring a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet above ground level along the southern coast of Jamaica, which could affect parts of the capital city of Kingston, including the international airport. The National Hurricane Center has warned that "extensive infrastructural damage, long-duration power and communication outages, and potentially prolonged isolation of communities" are likely in Jamaica and Haiti.

Hurricane conditions are expected in Jamaica by late Sunday or Monday, with tropical storm conditions moving in by Sunday morning. These winds, combined with the catastrophic flooding, are likely to cause extensive damage and potentially lead to prolonged isolation of communities.