Hurricane Melissa live updates: 'Extremely dangerous' Category 5 storm makes landfall in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as an extremely powerful Category 5 storm on October 28, 2025, around 1 p.m. ET, according to the National Hurricane Center. This hurricane is noted as the most intense of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and stands out as one of the strongest ever recorded to make landfall in the Atlantic basin. With maximum sustained winds reported near 185 mph, Melissa’s impact is expected to bring widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and the environment across Jamaica and nearby regions. The deadly consequences of Melissa have already been tragic, with at least seven hurricane-related deaths reported throughout the Caribbean. Jamaica and Haiti each suffered three fatalities, while the Dominican Republic reported one. The storm is forecasted to continue its path toward Cuba, with severe weather conditions expected to affect other parts of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Reporting live from Kingston, Jamaica, George Solis emphasized the destructive power of Melissa, labeling it one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. The hurricane ties with notable storms such as the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and Hurricane Dorian from 2019 in terms of landfall wind speeds. In fact, Melissa’s 185 mph winds are the second-highest ever recorded for an Atlantic hurricane, just shy of Hurricane Allen’s 190 mph in 1980. Additionally, Melissa has a remarkably low atmospheric pressure registered at 892 mb, the third-lowest for storms in this region, matching the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. This hurricane season has been particularly severe, and Melissa’s arrival has underscored the vulnerability of Caribbean nations to such catastrophic natural events. The destruction ranges from damaged buildings and critical infrastructure failures to power outages and disrupted communications. Emergency services across affected areas are stretched thin, working tirelessly to assist those in need amid difficult and dangerous conditions. Preparations and evacuations were underway before the storm’s landfall, but the sheer force of the hurricane has overwhelmed many safety measures. Local governments and international aid organizations are now mobilizing resources to provide relief and recovery support. The coming days will be crucial for assessing the full extent of damage and beginning the rebuilding process. Looking ahead, meteorologists warn that Melissa’s effects will continue as the storm advances toward Cuba and other Caribbean islands. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to official guidance to minimize further harm. The storm’s intensity and rapid movement highlight ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena in the region. As communities cope with the aftermath, there’s a growing call for improved infrastructure resilience and enhanced disaster preparedness to better withstand future storms. Melissa’s place in the historical record serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s power and the urgent need for coordinated efforts at local, regional, and global levels to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations.