Jamaica is bracing for the world's strongest storm of 2025 after Hurricane Melissa was blamed for seven deaths across the Caribbean.
The Category 5 hurricane is expected to gather speed and batter the Caribbean country with up to 30 inches of rain when it makes landfall early Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds are expected to reach 175 mph.
“Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely,” the National Hurricane Center in Miami has warned.
Three people in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic have died.
Warning that Melissa could be the strongest storm to hit the island in its history, Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness said: "I have been on my knees in prayer."
“Many of these communities will not survive this flooding,” local government minister Desmond McKenzie said at a press conference on Monday. “Kingston is low, extremely low. No community in Kingston is immune from flooding.”
Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica's information minister, said that the force of the storm was unprecedented.“We've heard the rainfall numbers. They're numbers we've never heard before,” he said.
Key Points
- Jamaica bracing for strongest storm in its history
- Storm is 'life-threatening', warns National Hurricane Centre
- Map: Path of Hurricane Melissa as Jamaica braces for impact
- Citizens brace for impact as Hurricane Melissa bears down
- Satellite images show scale of 'catastrophic' hurricane
- Many communities will not survive, says local government minister
Jamaica bracing for strongest storm in its history
03:21 , Shweta SharmaJamaica is staring down what could be the most powerful storm in its recorded history and the strongest storm anywhere in the world of 2025 so far.
Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 system with sustained winds of 175mph (280kmph), is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, bringing with it catastrophic flooding, landslides, and widespread devastation.
Forecasters say Melissa’s intensity could make it the strongest hurricane to strike the island since records began in 1851.
The US National Hurricane Center warns of a storm surge up to 13ft (4m) in Kingston, threatening the capital’s critical infrastructure, including the main international airport and power plants.
“This can become a true humanitarian crisis very quickly,” said Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather. “There is likely going to be the need for a lot of international support.”
In photos: Jamaica braces for Hurricane Melissa
03:00 , Rachel DobkinJamaica is bracing for Hurricane Melissa as the Category 5 storm is expected to make landfall early Tuesday morning.
Satellite image shows lightning flashing within the eye of Hurricane Melissa
02:30 , Rachel DobkinA satellite image has shown lightning flashing within the eye of Hurricane Melissa as it moves across the Caribbean Sea on Monday.
Watch: Meteorologist who flew into eye of Hurricane Melissa calls it the 'most breathtaking' and 'horrifying' experience
02:15 , Rachel DobkinMatthew Cappucci, a meteorologist from The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang, recalls his flight into the eye of Hurricane Melissa as “one of the most breathtaking and simultaneously horrifying experiences I've ever had" in a CNN interview Monday night.
"That was one of the most breathtaking and simultaneously horrifying experiences I've ever had"
— Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) October 28, 2025
CNN's @ErinBurnett speaks to "Capital Weather Gang" Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci about his journey into the eye of #HurricaneMelissa, and the danger the storm is expected to bring.… pic.twitter.com/aV0JvAYzdU
Jamaican minister says there's been 15 reports of Hurricane Melissa's damage
02:00 , Rachel DobkinJamaica’s Minister for Works, Robert Morgan, has said there's been 15 reports of Hurricane Melissa’s damage.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness wrote on X Monday night, “Minister Robert Morgan said the Emergency Operations Centre received 15 reports of fallen trees, landslides, and downed power lines, with all but one road reopened, the remaining blockage is near St. Ann’s Bay.”
Minister Robert Morgan said the Emergency Operations Centre received 15 reports of fallen trees, landslides, and downed power lines, with all but one road reopened, the remaining blockage is near St. Ann’s Bay. He urged Jamaicans to exercise extreme caution, warning of rockfalls… pic.twitter.com/lbinAD8PdH
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 28, 2025
What we know about Hurricane Melissa as it barrels toward Jamaica
01:39 , Rachel Dobkin- Hurricane Melissa is now the planet’s strongest storm of the year as it barrels toward Jamaica with powerful Category 5 winds.
- Melissa will finish turning to the north by the end of Monday and will then officially head towards Jamaica, The Weather Channel’s digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford reported.
- The storm, which has maximum sustained winds of 175 mph, is expected to make landfall in Jamaica early Tuesday morning.
- Parts of Jamaica will see rainfall of 15 to 30 inches through Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
- The storm is expected to hit Cuba later Tuesday, and weather warnings have been issued for the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos.
- At least seven people in the Caribbean have died, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.
Hurricane Melissa death toll rises to seven after three confirmed dead in Jamaica
01:33 , Rachel DobkinAt least seven people have died in the Caribbean as Hurricane Melissa barrels toward Jamaica.
Jamaica’s health minister, Christopher Tufton, confirmed three people had died because of the storm, which has evolved into a Category 5.
Tufton said at a Monday night news conference one of those dead was a health care worker who was hit by a falling, adding that 13 more people have been injured, per The New York Times.
Three more people in Haiti and another person in the Dominican Republic have also died.
Jamaica's prime minister says over 800 shelters are ready as he urges citizens to follow evacuation orders
01:00 , Rachel DobkinJamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Monday more than 800 shelters are ready as he urged citizens to follow evacuation orders.
The mobilization of government agencies, stakeholders, and partners ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa has been heartening. At the ODPEM headquarters, where the national emergency apparatus is coordinating all response efforts, I can report that preparation is strong.
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 27, 2025
We have over… pic.twitter.com/JLy5i89vVI
Jamaica's national police has mobilized thousands in preparation for Hurricane Melissa
00:40 , Rachel DobkinThe Jamaica Constabulary Force has mobilized 12,000 personnel and has another 2,000 officers on standby in preparation for Hurricane Melissa.
“Be assured that the Jamaica Constabulary Force is fully prepared and dedicated to safeguarding the lives and property of all Jamaicans and guests during this challenging time. We will do everything in our power to support the nation through Hurricane Melissa,” Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Strategic Operations, Warren Clarke, told the country on Monday.
Hurricane Melissa to bring ‘catastrophic and life-threatening' conditions to Jamaica starting later tonight
00:13 , Rachel DobkinHurricane Melissa is set to bring “catastrophic and life-threatening” winds, flooding and storm surge to Jamaica starting later tonight, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned in a bulletin Monday night.
The core of the Category 5 storm is expected to move near or over Jamaica by early Tuesday morning.
It will then move across southeastern Cuba Tuesday night and over the southeastern or central Bahamas Wednesday.
Hurricane conditions are also possible in the Turks and Caicos on Wednesday.
Jamaica’s prime minister warns of 'significant dislocation' with Hurricane Melissa en route
00:00 , Rachel DobkinJamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has warned of “significant dislocation” as Hurricane Melissa is set to hit the country.
Holness told CNN Monday the storm “could have an impact on our shores, more to the western end of Jamaica,” adding that he doesn’t believe there is “any infrastructure within this region that could withstand a Category 5 storm, so there could be significant dislocation.”
Melissa will finish turning to the north by the end of Monday and will then officially head towards Jamaica, The Weather Channel’s digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford reported.
The storm is expected to make landfall in Jamaica early Tuesday morning.
“I urge all Jamaicans and people who are friendly well-wishers of Jamaica, to continue to pray that this hurricane does not hit us directly,” Holness said.
U.S. embassy in Cuba tells citizens to 'leave now,' but it's too late for Americans in Jamaica
Monday 27 October 2025 23:40 , Rachel DobkinThe U.S. embassy in Cuba told citizens Monday to “leave now,” but it's too late for Americans in Jamaica.
In a weather alert about Hurricane Melissa, the U.S. embassy in Cuba said, “This is a dangerous storm. U.S. citizens potentially in the path of the hurricane should decide whether to leave now or be prepared to shelter in place.”
But leaving is no longer an option for Americans in Jamaica, where the storm is expected to make landfall Tuesday. Melissa will arrive in Cuba later Tuesday.
The U.S. embassy in Jamaica told citizens potentially in Melissa’s path to “shelter in place throughout the storm.”
“Contact your loved ones now to let them know where you are staying and how to best reach you,” the embassy said.
Weather Alert - U. S. Embassy Kingston, Jamaica
— US Embassy Jamaica (@USEmbassyJA) October 27, 2025
October 27, 2025
Location: Jamaica
Event: Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 5 storm, with maximum sustained winds near 160 mph (260 km/h) and higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected today, with potential… pic.twitter.com/2eLjXrYFvo
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel invokes predecessor in Hurricane Melissa warning
Monday 27 October 2025 23:20 , Rachel DobkinCuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has invoked his predecessor, Fidel Castro, in a warning about Hurricane Melissa, which is set to hit eastern Cuba Tuesday.
“Dear compatriots of eastern Cuba, where #Fidel challenged the dangerous Hurricane Flora and taught us forever what conduct to follow to protect life, which is the most important thing. I ask you to stay alert, be supportive, and not forget discipline in the face of the threat. We will overcome,” Díaz-Canel wrote on X Monday evening.
Queridos compatriotas del oriente cubano, donde #Fidel desafió al peligroso huracán Flora y nos enseñó para siempre qué conducta seguir para proteger la vida, que es lo más importante. Les pido estar alertas, ser solidarios y no olvidar la disciplina ante la amenaza. Venceremos. pic.twitter.com/eJGUz7bG5h
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) October 27, 2025
Watch: NOAA's Hurricane Hunters captured video of the eye of Hurricane Melissa
Monday 27 October 2025 23:00 , Rachel DobkinThe National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's Hurricane Hunters have captured video of the eye of Hurricane Melissa.
An incredible look inside the eye of Hurricane Melissa via NOAA's Hurricane Hunters ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/yp6AA1aNwf
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) October 27, 2025
What is Hurricane Melissa's path?
Monday 27 October 2025 22:40 , Rachel DobkinHurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall Tuesday in Jamaica, wreaking havoc in the Caribbean this week.
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned of “catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides” in Jamaica through Tuesday.
Southernwestern Haiti and southern parts of the Dominican Republic are expected to experience dangerous flash floods and landslides through midweek.
Eastern Cuba will see heavy rainfall with “life-threatening and potentially catastrophic” flash flooding and landslides beginning Monday night.
On Wednesday, parts of the southeast and central Bahamas will experience “life-threatening” storm surge and heavy rainfall, and the Turks and Caicos will see heavy rainfall and a “significant” storm surge.
5pm EDT Oct 27th Key Messages for Category 5 #Hurricane #Melissa:#Jamaica: Remain in your safe shelter & do not venture
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 27, 2025
outside. Catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding & numerous landslides through Tuesday as Melissa's core moves ashore.https://t.co/pKyx6SWXG5 pic.twitter.com/rqb93DoFfF
Hurricane Melissa threatens catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in the Caribbean
Monday 27 October 2025 22:20 , Rachel DobkinThe National Hurricane Center warned Monday Hurricane Melissa could cause catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides in parts of Jamaica, Cuba and Hispaniola.
The annual death toll due to landslides in the U.S. is an average of 25-50 people and thousands globally, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Landslides — defined by the USGS as “the movement of a mass of rock, debris or earth down a slope” — are capable of traveling tens of miles per hour and can damage homes and block roads and rail lines.
Earthquakes, heavy rain and changes to the soil, such as construction or agricultural practices, can trigger landslides.
Melissa’s relatively slow movement, path over mountainous terrain and “tremendous” rainfall amounts up to 40 inches in certain localities are ingredients that are contributing to a “worrisome” landslide risk, said Brian Tang, a professor of atmospheric science at the University at Albany.
Read more from Isabella O'Malley:
Hurricane Melissa threatens catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in the Caribbean
In pictures: Miami volunteers make relief packages for Hurricane Melissa
Monday 27 October 2025 22:00 , Rachel DobkinVolunteers made relief packages for Hurricane Melissa at the Global Empowerment Mission headquarters in Miami on Monday.
South Florida is home to the second-largest Jamaican population in the U.S. The storm is expected to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday.
UN announces deployment of extra staff to Jamaica and Cuba
Monday 27 October 2025 21:45 , Rachel DobkinThe United Nations has announced it is set to deploy extra staff to Jamaica and Cuba this week.
The international organization said in a news release Monday the deployment is “part of wider efforts to bolster emergency preparedness and coordinate response operations on the ground” as the Caribbean braces for Hurricane Melissa.
“Destructive winds, dangerous storm surge, and catastrophic rainfall” are set to hit the region, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
The news release also highlighted help for Cuba as Melissa is expected to bring hurricane conditions to the country by Tuesday evening.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs listed several preparations being taken for Cubans, including more than 100 tons of rice for the eastern part of the country and hygiene kits for 6,500 people.
The UN has also allocated about $4 million for Cuba from its Central Emergency Response Fund.
Forecasters warn of 'extremely powerful' hurricane hitting Jamaica and Cuba
Monday 27 October 2025 21:30 , Rachel DobkinForecasters at the National Hurricane Center have called Hurricane Melissa an “extremely powerful” storm.
In a bulletin issued Monday evening, the NHC said, “Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica and southeastern Cuba as an extremely powerful major hurricane, and will still be at hurricane strength when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas.”
Melissa is bringing maximum sustained winds of 175 mph, and forecasters warn “catastrophic and life-threatening hurricane-force wind conditions are expected to begin tonight and continue into Tuesday” in Jamaica.
Parts of Jamaica will also see rainfall of 15 to 30 inches through Wednesday.
Hurricane conditions are expected to begin in Cuba by Tuesday evening. Eastern Cuba will see total rainfall of 10 to 20 inches by Monday into Wednesday, “resulting in life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flashflooding with numerous landslides,” forecasters warn.
Hurricane Melissa moving northwestward as warnings are issued for the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos
Monday 27 October 2025 21:15 , Rachel DobkinForecasters at the National Hurricane Center said late Monday afternoon Hurricane Melissa was moving northwestward as warnings were issued for the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos.
Climate change to blame for Melissa's speed doubling in 24 hours
Monday 27 October 2025 20:45 , Maira Butt“Climate change is fundamentally changing our weather,” Bernadette Woods Placky, chief meteorologist at Climate Central, an independent group of scientists and communicators, told Associated Press.
“It does not mean that every single tropical cyclone is going to go through rapid or super-rapid intensification. However, in our warmer world, it will continue to increase the likelihood of storms going through rapid and super-rapid intensification.”
Scientists have noted that this is the fourth Atlantic storm to undergo rapid intensification of wind speed and power.
“That part of the Atlantic is extremely warm right now — around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal,” said Akshay Deoras, a meteorologist at the University of Reading, in the United Kingdom.
“And it’s not just the surface. The deeper layers of the ocean are also unusually warm, providing a vast reservoir of energy for the storm.”
Jamaica's Environment Minister warns country will face 'significant damage'
Monday 27 October 2025 20:15 , Maira ButtJamaica is better prepared for Hurricane Melissa, following lessons learned from the impact of Hurricane Beryl, the country’s environment minister Matthew Samuda told CNN News Central on Monday.
However, with 70 per cent of the population living within 5 kilometres of the coast, he admitted that the country’s infrastructure had never been tested so severely. He said the country was expecting “waves 17 feet high” along with severe rainfall.
“We are certainly better prepared than we would have been in the '80s,” he said.
“We have much stronger housing stock. Our infrastructure has vastly improved from the 1980s. Our electricity grid is far more resilient.
“But when you speak about 160 mile an hour winds, we've never tested our new infrastructure in that regard. And we have 70 percent of our population living within five kilometers of the coast.
“Now, when you're speaking about waves 17 feet high, that storm surge will come inland. And you're speaking about massive flooding - 30 inches, 40 inches of rain simultaneously. There isn't infrastructure that's built, I think anywhere in the world to navigate that sort of risk. So we do expect that if it does come onshore, we will be facing significant damage. Similar to what we had during Gilbert.”
US evacuates military and family from Guantanamo Bay
Monday 27 October 2025 19:45 , Maira ButtThe US Navy has begun evacuating US citizens and families from Guantanamo Bay ahead of category 5 tropical storm, Hurricane Melissa, bearing down Jamaica, heading for Cuba.
More than 4,000 people live on the base, with approximately 1,000 members evacuated to Florida, according to the New York Times.
US Immigration Control and Enforcement said that “non-mission-essential U.S. citizens” had been removed after the base commander ordered ICE “to relocate to a designated safe haven on the mainland.”
As the Atlantic ocean warms, climate change is fueling Hurricane Melissa's ferocity
Monday 27 October 2025 19:15 , Maira Butt
As the Atlantic ocean warms, climate change is fueling Hurricane Melissa's ferocity
'Numbers we've never heard before', says Jamaica's information minister
Monday 27 October 2025 18:45 , Maira ButtDana Morris Dixon, Jamaica's information minister, said that he has seen warnings of unprecedented rainfall numbers.
“We’ve heard the rainfall numbers. They’re numbers we’ve never heard before,” he said on Monday.
The National Hurricane Centre warned that Melissa is expected to bring 15 to 30 inches (38.1cm to 76.2cm) of rain to Jamaica and souther Hispaniola, with a maximum of up to 40 inches (101.6cm).
Eastern Cuba is facing between 10 inches (25.4cm) and 15 inches (38.1cm) of expected rainfall.
He said the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency is ready to provide assistance, and added that several international partners have already pledged support.
Many communities will not survive, says local government minister
Monday 27 October 2025 18:15 , Maira Butt“Many of these communities will not survive this flooding,” local government minister, Desmond McKenzie, said at a press conference on Monday.
“Kingston is low, extremely low. No community in Kingston is immune from flooding.”
Residents of several regions have been forced to evacuate to over 900 shelters across the island.
Watch live: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica as catastrophic flooding expected
Monday 27 October 2025 17:45 , Maira Butt
Watch: Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica as catastrophic flooding expected
Map: Trajectory of Hurricane Melissa as storm strengthens
Monday 27 October 2025 17:15 , Maira Butt
New satellite images show scale of tropical storm over Caribbean
Monday 27 October 2025 16:45 , Maira Butt
How much rainfall is expected as Hurricane Melissa bears down on Jamaica?
Monday 27 October 2025 16:10 , Maira ButtThe National Hurricane Centre warned that Melissa is expected to bring 15 to 30 inches (38.1cm to 76.2cm) of rain to Jamaica and souther Hispaniola, with a maximum of up to 40 inches (101.6cm). Eastern Cuba is facing between 10 inches (25.4cm) and 15 inches (38.1cm) of expected rainfall.
It is expected to reach Jamaica early on Tuesday breaking records as the most powerful storm to ever hit the island. The most powerful before now was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which recorded winds of 130mph.
Jamaica braces for Hurricane Melissa as category 5 storm threatens Caribbean
Monday 27 October 2025 15:45 , Maira ButtLarissa Howe reports:
Residents in Jamaica prepared for Hurricane Melissa as it strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane on Sunday (26 October).
Melissa, the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to reach Jamaica's southern coast late on Monday or Tuesday morning.
Footage shows people stocking up on supplies and covering shop windows as the US National Hurricane Center warned the storm could intensify to a Category 5.
Jamaican authorities have activated shelters and closed Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport in preparation.
Red Cross mobilises to 'protect lives' as six countries to be impacted
Monday 27 October 2025 15:15 , Maira ButtThe International Federation of the Red Cross has said its teams are fully mobilised to “protect lives and reduce risks”.
“Hurricane Melissa threatens communities already facing overlapping crises — from poverty and inequality to violence and recent disasters,” it said on Monday.
“These compounding vulnerabilities increase risks and can slow recovery. “
The Red cross noted that Melissa’s slow movement means “maximum risk”. It will assist with preparedness efforts, preventive evacuations, conducting rescues where needed, and pre-positioning food, water, and essential relief supplies.
“Melissa is moving forward at 3-4 miles per hour,” it wrote. “The usual average speed for storms is 10-15 mph. A crawling pace means communities will endure days of relentless heavy rain rather than hours. “
Six countries are under threat including Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Eastern Cuba. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos could also be affected.
'Life-threatening' storm could reach 160mph
Monday 27 October 2025 14:53 , Maira ButtMaximum sustained winds for Hurricane Melissa are 160mph, according to the National Hurricane Centre.
“Do not venture out of your safe shelter,” reads advice from the Miami-based NHC.
“Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely today through Tuesday. Destructive winds, especially in the mountains, will begin by this evening, leading to extensive infrastructural damage, long-lasting power and communication outages, and isolated communities.
“Life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected along the southern coast through Tuesday.”
In pictures: The impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean
Monday 27 October 2025 14:27 , Maira Butt
Tui ‘working around the clock to support everyone impacted’ in Jamaica
Monday 27 October 2025 14:05 , Simon CalderThe Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
The leading UK holiday company serving Jamaica has told The Independent its teams are “working around the clock to support everyone impacted” by Hurricane Melissa.
With the international airport at Montego Bay closed, hundreds of holidaymakers who are due to fly home on Monday evening face an uncertain time.
A spokesperson for Tui said: “We are closely monitoring the situation in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa moves across the Caribbean.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority, and our teams are and we are in direct contact with all customers whose travel plans may be affected.
“We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams.”
The Foreign Office has a helpline for UK citizens in Jamaica who need support. The FCDO says: “Contact Consular Support at 876-936-0700 (Select Option 2).”
Hurricane Melissa tracker: Jamaica orders residents to evacuate as tropical storm sweeps across Caribbean
Monday 27 October 2025 13:45 , Maira ButtJamaican residents have been asked to evacuate as “life-threatening” Hurricane Melissa bears down on the Caribbean island with speed.
The destructive category 5 storm will bring “catastrophic flash flooding”, “numerous landslides”, a “life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves”, with maximum sustained wind speeds of up to 160mph, according to the National Hurricane Centre.
Jamaica orders residents to evacuate as Hurricane Melissa sweeps across Caribbean
Map: Path of Hurricane Melissa as Jamaica braces for impact
Monday 27 October 2025 13:25 , Maira Butt
Watch: Satellite images show ‘life-threatening’ Hurricane Melissa moving over Caribbean Sea
Monday 27 October 2025 13:05 , Maira ButtLuke Reevey reports:
Weather satellites have beamed back views of Hurricane Melissa as seen from space as it makes its way over the Caribbean Sea, with Jamaica bracing for what could be the "most powerful" Category 5 storm in history.
The island is expecting up to 76 centimetres (30 inches) of rain and 160mph winds when it makes landfall on Tuesday (28 October), with the US National Hurricane Centre warning “catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely.”
At least four people have already died, including three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, as the hurricane continues to move northeast. One person remains missing.
'Hundreds' of Brits stranded in Jamaica as category 5 hurricane hits
Monday 27 October 2025 12:45 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
Kingston airport told travellers whose flights have been cancelled: “Passengers, contact your airline for rebooking. DO NOT go to the airport.
“Hundreds of British travellers are stranded on the island by the cancellations.”
The Foreign Office has a helpline for UK citizens in Jamaica who need support.
The FCDO says: “Contact Consular Support at 876-936-0700 (Select Option 2).”
Many communities will not survive, says local government minister
Monday 27 October 2025 12:24 , Maira Butt“Many of these communities will not survive this flooding,” local government minister, Desmond McKenzie, said at a press conference on Monday.
“Kingston is low, extremely low. No community in Kingston is immune from flooding.”
Residents of several regions have been forced to evacuate to over 900 shelters across the island.
Storm is further strengthening
Monday 27 October 2025 12:00 , Maira ButtThe National Hurricane Centre has warned that Hurricane Melissa is expected to grow in intensity today with additional strengthening forecast for Monday.
Fluctuations in intensity are likely before Melissa makes landfall on Jamaica early on Tuesday.
Photos show Hurricane Melissa's impact on the Caribbean
Monday 27 October 2025 11:50 , Maira ButtHurricane Melissa roared toward Jamaica with destructive Category 4 winds Monday and was expected to strengthen further before making landfall on the Caribbean nation with up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain and a life-threatening storm surge.
Some local areas of eastern Jamaica could get 40 inches (1 meter) of rain while western Haiti could get 16 inches (40 centimeters), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. "Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely," it warned.
'Numbers we've never heard before', says Jamaica's information minister
Monday 27 October 2025 11:30 , Maira ButtDana Morris Dixon, Jamaica's information minister, said that he has seen warnings of unprecedented rainfall numbers.
“We’ve heard the rainfall numbers. They’re numbers we’ve never heard before,” he said on Monday.
The National Hurricane Centre warned that Melissa is expected to bring 15 to 30 inches (38.1cm to 76.2cm) of rain to Jamaica and souther Hispaniola, with a maximum of up to 40 inches (101.6cm).
Eastern Cuba is facing between 10 inches (25.4cm) and 15 inches (38.1cm) of expected rainfall.
He said the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency is ready to provide assistance, and added that several international partners have already pledged support.
Satellite images show scale of huge storm
Monday 27 October 2025 11:10 , Maira Butt
'Do not gamble with Melissa,' warns Jamaican disaster management official
Monday 27 October 2025 10:49 , Maira Butt“I want to urge Jamaicans to take this seriously,” said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of the island's Disaster Risk Management Council.
“Do not gamble with Melissa. It's not a safe bet.”
It comes as mandatory evacuation orders were issued across several areas of the Caribbean island.
Jamaica's government issues evacuation orders
Monday 27 October 2025 10:29 , Maira ButtMembers of the public have been ordered to evacuate several areas in Jamaica as a “life-threatening” and “catastrophic” hurricane swiftly approaches the country.
The Jamaican government issued mandatory evacuation orders for Port Royal, Kingston and other areas on Monday.
The government statement read: “This Order takes effect immediately and requires all persons to evacuate the following areas: Port Royal, Kingston, Portland Cottage, Clarendon, Rocky Point, Clarendon, Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine, Taylor Land, Bull Bay, St Andrew, New Haven, St Andrew, Riverton City, St Andrew.”
Hurricane Melissa: UK travellers hit by flight delays and cancellations ahead of storm landfall
Monday 27 October 2025 10:18 , Maira ButtUK holidaymakers in Jamaica are being warned of “catastrophic flash floods and landslides” as Hurricane Melissa sweeps in on the island.
The storm is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane on the Caribbean island on Tuesday, 28 October.
The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
Hurricane Melissa: UK travellers hit by flight delays and cancellations
'Life-threatening' storm could reach 160mph
Monday 27 October 2025 09:57 , Maira ButtMaximum sustained winds for Hurricane Melissa are 160mph, according to the National Hurricane Centre.
“Do not venture out of your safe shelter,” reads advice from the Miami-based NHC.
“Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely today through Tuesday. Destructive winds, especially in the mountains, will begin by this evening, leading to extensive infrastructural damage, long-lasting power and communication outages, and isolated communities.
“Life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected along the southern coast through Tuesday.”
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Hurricane Melissa could be Jamaica's 'most powerful' storm in decades
Monday 27 October 2025 09:35 , Maira ButtThe hurricane is expected to gather speed and batter the Caribbean country with up to 76 centimetres (30 inches) of rain when it makes landfall on Tuesday.
“Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely,” the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami has warned.
At least four people have already died, including three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. One person remains missing.
Maximum sustained winds are expected to reach 150 mph (240km/h) in Jamaica.
The storm has gained strength and was reclassified to category 5 on Monday.
It could be the strongest hurricane Jamaica has seen in decades, Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica’s meteorological service, told the Associated Press.
Jamaica braces for Hurricane Melissa as category 5 storm threatens Caribbean
Monday 27 October 2025 09:30 , Maira ButtLarissa Howe reports:
Residents in Jamaica prepared for Hurricane Melissa as it strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane on Sunday (26 October).
Melissa, the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to reach Jamaica's southern coast late on Monday or Tuesday morning.
Footage shows people stocking up on supplies and covering shop windows as the US National Hurricane Center warned the storm could intensify to a Category 5.
Jamaican authorities have activated shelters and closed Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport in preparation.
Travellers in Jamaica warned not to go to the airport until they have a confirmed flight out
Monday 27 October 2025 09:22 , Simon CalderThe Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
Montego Bay airport authorities say: “When we reopen, confirm flight status with your airline BEFORE travelling.”
Kingston airport is warning travellers whose flights have been cancelled: “Passengers, contact your airline for rebooking. DO NOT go to the airport. Hundreds of British travellers are stranded on the island by the cancellations.”
The Foreign Office has a helpline for UK citizens in Jamaica who need support.
The FCDO says: “Contact Consular Support at 876-936-0700 (Select Option 2).”
The US Embassy in the Jamaican capital, Kingston, is urging American citizens: “Seek secure shelter. Stock sufficient food, water, batteries, and medicine before the storm arrives. Shelter in place and contact your loved ones to let them know how you are doing.”
Hurricane Melissa now a category 5 storm, says NHC
Monday 27 October 2025 09:17 , Maira ButtThe National Hurricane Centre has upgraded its classification of Hurricane Melissa, as it warned it is now a category 5 storm.
Destructive winds, storm sturge, and catastrophic flood will worsen on Jamaica through the day and into tonight, it said on Monday.
Map: Path of Hurricane Melissa as Jamaica braces for impact
Monday 27 October 2025 09:05 , Maira ButtPhotos show Hurricane Melissa's impact on the Carribean
Monday 27 October 2025 09:02 , Maira Butt
