Powerful Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica, Triggering Evacuation Orders

On October 27, 2025, Jamaica is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm that is set to make landfall on the island on Tuesday. The hurricane, which is the strongest on record to hit Jamaica, has already started causing widespread damage, with high winds toppling trees and knocking out power across the country.

Authorities have been warning that no part of the island is likely to be spared Melissa's wrath. The director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Evan Thompson, has stated that the hurricane's rapid intensification and slow pace are particularly concerning, noting that the warm waters fueling the storm are likely linked to climate change.

In response to the impending disaster, the Jamaican government has ordered mandatory evacuations of several coastal communities, empowering the country's disaster management agency to remove people from high-risk areas. This comes after some residents, particularly in the historic fishing village of Port Royal, have refused to leave, citing concerns about the safety of shelters.

The prime minister, Andrew Holness, has acknowledged the seriousness of the threat and urged Jamaicans to heed the life-saving advice to seek shelter and evacuate. He has also asked the predominantly Christian nation to pray for protection and calm as the country braces for the hurricane's impact.

Experts warn that the storm surge, which could reach up to 13 feet, poses a significant threat to critical infrastructure, including the island's main international airport and power plants located along the coast in Kingston. The health minister, Christopher Tufton, has also expressed concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable healthcare facilities near the shoreline.

As Jamaica prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, the country's resilience and determination to weather this historic storm will be put to the test in the coming days.