Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, slammed into southwestern Jamaica on Tuesday, bringing massive destruction. The Category 5 hurricane unleashed violent winds, torrential rains, and massive storm intensified, leaving large parts of the island flooded and powerless. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa made landfall near New Hope with sustained winds reaching 185 mph (295 kph) .
Hurricane melissa Hits the Caribbean
Images and live footage circulating online showed bridges and roads submerged, while homes, hospitals, and schools were badly damaged. Authorities reported that floodwaters trapped several families in their homes in the Black River community in western Jamaica, but dangerous conditions prevented rescue operations.
Hurricane Melissa Live Tracker (Link)
Hurricane Melissa can be tracked live via this link https://zoom.earth/storms/melissa-2025/
Hurricane Melissa Current Status
Melissa’s center had crossed Jamaica’s north coast, moving near Montego Bay by Tuesday. Although its winds weakened slightly to 150 mph, the system remained extremely dangerous.
The NHC reported that by nightfall, Melissa’s sustained winds were around 130 mph (215 kph) as it moved northeast at 9 mph (15 kph), about 110 miles (175 kilometers) southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba.
Meteorologists confirmed that Melissa’s 185 mph winds and central pressure of 892 millibars tied two historical records matching the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane in Florida and 2019’s Hurricane Dorian. “It’s been a remarkable, just a beast of a storm,” said Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University.
Hurricane Melissa Damaged Hospitals, Coastline in Danger
The storm surge, estimated to reach up to 13 feet (4 meters), caused major concern along Jamaica’s coast. Authorities confirmed that four hospitals were damaged, and one facility lost power, forcing the evacuation of 75 patients.
Emergency teams were assessing the destruction as communication networks and roads remained disrupted in several parishes. Officials warned that recovery and repair could take weeks.
Cuba Braces for Melissa’s Landfall
Hurricane Melissa was expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday, bringing up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rainfall and a dangerous coastal surge.
In a televised address, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel urged residents to remain vigilant, calling Melissa “the strongest ever to hit national territory.”
In Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city, thousands of residents prepared shelters. 83-year-old Eduviges Figueroa, who opened her home to dozens seeking refuge near the Sierra Maestra mountains, said, “We’re helping as best we can. Now I’m cooking for everyone.”
Across Cuba, television footage showed families boarding buses and trucks, carrying small children and essentials to evacuation centers. In Holguín province, authorities evacuated more than 200,000 people, while an equal number had already been moved from Banes town earlier in the day.
“May God have mercy on us, because it’s coming with a lot of strength,” said Diamon Mendoza, 36, one of many preparing for the storm’s arrival.
What is next
As of Tuesday night, Hurricane Melissa continued moving northeast toward Cuba and the Bahamas. Forecasts indicated it would weaken to a Category 4 as it crossed Cuba and likely downgrade to Category 2 upon reaching the North Atlantic later on Wednesday.
Meteorologists and government agencies across the Caribbean remain on high alert as Melissa continues to threaten the region with severe winds, flooding, and dangerous seas.