Hurricane Melissa, the world’s strongest storm of 2025, is bearing down on Jamaica, having already claimed at least seven lives across the Caribbean. The Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds of 175 mph, is expected to make landfall early Tuesday, bringing catastrophic conditions.
The storm has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 system, marking it as the most powerful hurricane globally this year and potentially the strongest to hit Jamaica since records began in 1851. US meteorologists from the National Hurricane Center warn that catastrophic and life-threatening hurricane-force winds are imminent, with the eyewall capable of causing total structural failure. Residents in higher elevation areas face wind speeds up to 30% stronger, exacerbating the danger.
Deaths have been reported in multiple countries, with three confirmed in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. In Jamaica, Health Minister Christopher Tufton confirmed that one of the fatalities was a healthcare worker struck by a falling object, and 13 people have been injured. The toll highlights the storm’s destructive path even before its core reaches the island, with additional missing persons reported in flood-affected areas.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered immediate evacuations for vulnerable communities and activated over 800 shelters nationwide. He has pleaded with citizens to follow evacuation orders and stay indoors, stating that he has been “on my knees in prayer” and doubting any infrastructure can withstand such a storm. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie emphasized that no community in low-lying Kingston is immune from flooding, urging compliance to save lives.
Forecasters predict torrential rainfall of 15 to 30 inches in parts of Jamaica, coupled with a storm surge of up to 13 feet in Kingston. The slow forward speed of the hurricane, moving at just 2 mph, increases the risk of prolonged heavy rain, leading to catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides, especially in mountainous areas. National Hurricane Center deputy director Jamie Rhome described this as a “catastrophic event” due to the extreme rainfall potential.
Preparations are in full swing, with Jamaica’s police force mobilizing 12,000 personnel and schools used as evacuation centers. The government has reported 15 incidents of damage, including fallen trees and landslides, with efforts underway to clear roads. Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon noted that saturated ground from October rains could worsen flooding, making this storm “the likes of which we have never seen.”
The hurricane’s impact extends beyond Jamaica, with Cuba expected to face hurricane conditions later Tuesday, and the Bahamas under warnings for Wednesday. International organizations are monitoring the situation closely, as the storm could trigger a humanitarian crisis requiring extensive aid and recovery efforts. In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, flooding has already displaced residents and damaged homes.
As residents brace for the storm, stories emerge of communities being cut off by impassable roads and tourists stranded at resorts. The aftermath will likely involve significant rebuilding and international support, with experts like AccuWeather’s Jonathan Porter warning of a potential “true humanitarian crisis.” Recovery efforts may take weeks, emphasizing the need for global assistance in the storm’s wake.