Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa: Days of Extreme Winds and Flooding Ahead

As of October 24, 2025, Tropical Storm Melissa is set to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane, posing a severe threat to Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean. The storm is currently located just over 150 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with sustained winds of 45 mph.

Melissa is expected to strengthen into a Category 4 or stronger hurricane by Sunday, hovering near or south of Jamaica with punishing winds and torrential rain through early next week. Officials are urging anyone in Melissa's path to prepare for life-threatening flooding, landslides, power outages, and dangerous seas.

The storm's extreme threats have already been felt in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where Melissa's rain has been pounding the region for several days, flooding roadways and triggering landslides. At least three deaths have been reported in Haiti due to the storm.

Jamaica and southern Haiti are under both tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches, with strong winds set to arrive as soon as Friday night and ramp up over the weekend. Authorities warn of extensive damage to roads and buildings, potentially isolating communities for an extended period. The nation of nearly 3 million people will likely face tropical storm-force winds by Friday night, while hurricane-force winds build over the weekend and last into early next week.

After Melissa roars by Jamaica, Cuba is likely to be the next country in the storm's path, facing destructive winds and flooding rain by midweek. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos could also see impacts later in the week.