Powerful Hurricane Melissa Wreaks Havoc in Jamaica, Threatens Cuba and Bahamas

On 2025-10-29T00:22:53+00:00, Hurricane Melissa, a powerful category 4 storm, has been wreaking havoc in Jamaica, the Caribbean nation facing its strongest storm in modern history. The hurricane, with wind speeds of 150 mph (240 km/h), made landfall on Jamaica's coastline with winds exceeding 185 mph, bringing "catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surges" according to the US National Hurricane Center.

Jamaican authorities have urged residents and visitors to continue sheltering, with nearly a third of the country already without power. Photos have emerged showing fallen trees and damaged homes across the island. The World Meteorological Organization's tropical cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan has warned of storm surges up to 4 meters high, calling it "the storm of the century for sure" for Jamaica.

The slow-moving storm is expected to remain a powerful hurricane as it crosses Jamaica, whose highland communities are vulnerable to landslides and flooding. Jamaican health officials have also warned of the potential displacement of crocodiles from their natural dwellings due to rising water levels, advising residents to avoid flood waters.