Powerful Hurricane Melissa Devastates Cuba, Heads for Bahamas

On October 25, 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba near the city of Chivirico as an "extremely dangerous" Category 3 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. The powerful hurricane had already pummeled Jamaica, where it was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, with top sustained winds of 185 mph.

Ahead of Melissa's arrival in Cuba, authorities evacuated 735,000 people as a hurricane warning was issued for several provinces. The storm was expected to generate a storm surge of up to 12 feet and drop up to 20 inches of rain, leading to life-threatening flooding and numerous landslides.

The hurricane's impact on Cuba is likely to worsen the country's severe economic crisis, which has already led to prolonged power blackouts, fuel shortages, and food shortages. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez assured the public that "no one is left behind and no resources are spared to protect the lives of the population," but warned that "a lot of work" would be needed to recover from the damage.

As Melissa moved through Cuba, it was expected to cross the island and enter the Bahamas later on October 25. A hurricane watch was also in effect for Bermuda. The storm's aftermath in Jamaica has already been severe, with extensive damage reported in several parishes and one hospital forced to evacuate 75 patients due to power outages.