Wed Oct 29 00:00:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Eyes Cuba as Category 5 Threat

New Hope, Jamaica – Jamaica is reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, bringing catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and widespread damage. The storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, struck near New Hope around 1 p.m. ET, leaving a trail of destruction across the island before heading towards eastern Cuba.

“Jamaica has gone through what I can call one of its worst experiences,” said Desmond McKenzie, who is leading the government’s disaster response. Reports of widespread flooding, structural damage, blocked roads, and power outages are emerging, with the parish of St. Elizabeth particularly hard hit.

At least three fatalities in Jamaica have been linked to the storm, in addition to seven deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Rescue efforts are underway, but hampered by ongoing severe weather. Authorities are particularly concerned about families trapped by floodwaters.

Hurricane Melissa, though slightly weakened to a Category 4, is now barreling toward eastern Cuba, where it is expected to make landfall late Tuesday or early Wednesday as an extremely dangerous major hurricane. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) projects sustained winds of around 140 mph upon impact, accompanied by torrential rainfall, potentially catastrophic flash flooding, and storm surges up to 12 feet.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel urged citizens to take precautions and seek shelter. The Cuban government has suspended air, train, bus and boat transportation in eastern parts of the island.

The NHC warns that Jamaica is still not out of danger, with damaging winds and flash flooding expected to continue. Roughly 25,000 tourists are in Jamaica right now, and all necessary measures are in place to protect and assist every guest.

The storm is forecast to pass over Cuba by midday Wednesday and reach parts of the southern Bahamas on Wednesday afternoon.

Jamaican officials have launched supportjamaica.gov.jm to provide an online platform for residents to report incidents like flooding and structural damage, as well as a form for donations.

The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens in the path of Hurricane Melissa to leave if possible or prepare to shelter in place.

Read More