Hurricane Melissa’s Trail of Destruction: Jamaica Begins to Count the Cost

Hurricane Melissa passes Jamaica leaving a trail of destruction

Hurricane Melissa has passsed the coasts of Jamaica leaving a trail of devastating destruction across the island. While the official death toll and the extent of disaster is yet to be revealed, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said that his government will rebuild and do even better than before.

In a public statement made on Tuesday night, PM Holness said "I know many, especially those in the worst affected parishes are feeling disheartened. Your homes may have been damaged or destroyed and your communities and towns no longer look the same. I know your pain and I feel your loss. We are mobilizing quickly to start the relief and recovery efforts and wea will be there with you every step of the way.

Scenes from Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes a landfall

Medical Facilities destroyed in Jamaica: Reports

Medical Facilities across Jamaica specifically those near the Black River have been destroyed by the strong surge brought by Hurricane Melissa. While the information is yet to be confirmed, it is being said that since the Hurricane has made a landfall conditions in Jamaica are not favourable and catastrophically damaging.

Emergency services are overwhelmed and access to healthcare is limited. The situation by on ground reporters is being described as critical and devastating.

Hurricane Melissa Makes landfall in Jamaica near New Hope

Powerful Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has made a landfall in Jamaica near the New Hope community with sustained winds of 185 mph.

The NHC in response has urged Jamaicans to stay indoors and follow neccessary precautions as the hurricane passes the island.

Power Outages Hit 240,000 residents as Hurricane Melissa Batters Jamaica

As Category 5 Hurricane Melissa is making its arrival felt in Jamaica, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says roughly 240,000 customers, about 35% of its network is stranded without electricity.

According to JPS, the parishes of St Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover, and St James have been hit hardest, with strong winds and heavy rain bringing down power lines and damaging infrastructure.

Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and avoid downed lines or flooded areas. They have warned that restoration efforts could take time depending on the extent of the damage once the storm passes.

This is the last chance to protect your life: NHC

In their latest statement, the National Hurricane Centre has claimed that this is the last chance for residents to protect their life emphasizing on the importance of moving indoors to safer places or shelters.

"THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION! TAKE COVER NOW! Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury, and loss of life. Residents in Jamaica that experience the eye should not leave their shelter as winds will rapidly increase within the backside of the eyewall of Melissa" the NHC quoted.

Hurricane Melissa's eye to make landfall in less than 20 mins

Hurricane Melissa's eye is about to make a landfall in Jamaica as a historic Category 5 storm and the strongest in a century to hit the island. According to meteorologists, the Hurricane has started intensifying again and is expected to make a landfall in less than 20 minutes in the southern coasts of the country.

The storm has intensified further, and now has maximum sustained winds of 180 mph with a central pressure of 896 MB. This makes Melissa even stronger and more dangerous than before.

Hurricane Warning issued for the Bahamas

Hurricane Warning is now in effect for the Central and Southeast Bahamas and it was pointed out that Hurricane conditions are expected in the mentioned islands within 36 hours.

As per the weather updates, the centre of Hurricane Melissa was located near latitude 17.2 degrees north and longitude 78.3 degrees west. Hurricane Melissa is moving toward the North-Northwest near 5 miles per hour and the core of Melissa is also expected to move over Jamaica today.

The governments of the CARICOM and other countries announced that their students who were studying in the college of Jamaica have returned back to their respective countries.

Cruise Ships Changes Route amid Hurricane Melissa Threat

Hurricane Melissa Threat has caused the cruise ships to change their route as the heavy rainfall is bringing tensions across the Caribbean. The storm is now considered the strongest hurricane on record to approach Jamaica and brought heavy rainfall and high winds to much of the Caribbean, especially Jamaica and Haiti.

Hurricane Melissa is now a Category 5 storm with sustained winds hitting 160 mph. This has forced a variety changes to cruise itineraries across the Caribbean with cruise lines putting an emphasis on the safety of passengers and crew.

The United States Air Force Reserve (Hurricane Hunters) sent its 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron in the area of Hurricane Melissa on Monday. It is aimed at collecting the relevant data for the National Hurricane Cnetre and noted that the wind speed that is reaching towards Jamaica is 175 mph and it has turned into Category 5.

Key Messages for Hurricane Melissa

As Hurricane Melissa appraoches Jamaica, the National Hurricane Centre has issued key message for the public to exercise precautions and remain sheltered.

In their recent message NHC warned locals of catastrophic flash floodin, landslides, and destructive winds. NHC added that they will continue through the day and will cause widespread damage to isolated communities causing outages.

The southern coast of Jamaica is expected to face the most damage, including life threatening storm surge, and damaging waves throughout the day.

Melissa Becomes 8th Stronest hurricane on record for Atlantic

Hurricane Melissa as of the recent advisory released at 2:00 am local time has become the eighth strongest storm of all time in the Atlantic Hurricane season's history. The hurricane hasn't stopped intensifying and is expected to strenghthen even more.

By the end of today, the storm would have hit Jamaica and the updates will shift from weather to the conditions in the country. Last year's Milton was of the same frequency and intensity, however Melissa's slow movement makes it even more devastating.

Hurricane Melissa forms near perfect structure

Hurricane Melissa’s latest satellite imagery has left weather observers in awe, showcasing a nearly flawless eye and spiral banding, a textbook example of meteorological perfection.

Jamaica Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Melissa Approaches

Prime Minsiter of Jamaica, Andrew Holness has declared an islandwide state of emergency as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island in a category 5 disastrous form.

In a video message released on his social media, PM Holness said that the decision is taken from the advice from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). The Prime Minister urged Jamaicans to take neccessary precautions and stay prepared as the disaster approaches. He urged all of them to comply immediately with evacuation orders in food prone and coastal areas.

Under this declaration, agencies have been asked to take neccessary steps to protect lives, and property. This includes opening the shelters, mobilising emergency releifs and enforcing neccessary evacuation orders in vulnerable zones.

Parish Disaster Coordinators & Contact Numbers

1. Kingston & St. Andrew: Terry Forrester – 876-456-1183

2. Portmore: Nordia Campbell – 876-874-5897

3. St. Catherine: Yasheka Jathan-Thompson – 876-588-8689 / 561-1998

4. Clarendon: Stacy-Ann Henningham (Acting) – 876-853-1407

5. Manchester: Keval Lewis (Acting) – 876-503-2852

6. St. Elizabeth: Rasha Lloyd – 876-570-6269

7. Westmoreland: Marcine Campbell-Kerr – 876-296-0129

8. Hanover: Annissa Spence – 876-564-0917

9. St. James: Ricardo Miller – 876-590-9454

10. Trelawny: Dion Hylton-Lewis – 876-843-0125

11. St. Ann: Alvin Clarke – 876-360-7460

12. St. Mary: Adrian Tate – 876-577-8307

13. Portland: Denise Lewis – 876-837-1986

14. St. Thomas: Martina Medley-Goode – 876-396-9818

Hurricane Melissa Strengthens to Category 5

The National Hurricane Centre has confirmed that Hurricane Melissa which was earlier a Category 4 hurricane has strenghthened to a Category 5. The hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and a 917 mb central pressure, confirmed by the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters.

10/27 5am EDT: #Melissa has strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane with 160 mph winds and a 917 mb central pressure, confirmed by the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters. Conditions in #Jamaica will rapidly deteriorate later today and tonight. Here are the key messages:

See… pic.twitter.com/pMRRQdyOqU

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 27, 2025

On Ground Report: Local Share Perspectives as Hurricane Melissa approaches

Locals have been citing their concerns as Hurricane Melissa is approaching the island. Claudine Grant, a resident of Spanish Town said, "We've seen plenty of storms, but this one feels different. Everyone’s nervous because it’s moving so slow that’s what makes it dangerous.”

In Kingston, small vendors are already feeling the pressure, "I asked God this morning to see if he can turn back the storm,” a vendor said, explaining that the prolonged rainfall and wind will cause strong damage to the island's shores.

Fishermen in the coastal region also cited their concerns as they tied up their boats up in the shores to protect them.

UN Allocates $4 Million in Emergency Aid for Haitians Affected by Hurricane Melissa

The United Nations has announced a $4 million emergency allocation from its Central Emergency Response Fund to assist more than 100,000 Haitians impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The funding will support relief operations led by the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and the International Organization for Migration.

UN officials said the aid will prioritize vulnerable populations, particularly those living in disaster prone areas. The UN further highlighted that efforts will focus on providing food, clean water, and temporary shelter.

Hurricane Melissa Leaves Three Dead, Six Injured in Haiti

Hurricane Melissa has claimed at least 3 lives and has injured 6 others in Haiti, according to the data shared by the Directorate General of Civil Protection (DGPC).

As per the information shared two of the victims died in a landslide in Fontamara, while an elderly man in Marigot was struck and killed by a fallen tree. Heavy rains, and flooding have also hit several regions in the country leading to a bridge collapse in Sainte-Suzanne and damaged houses in Port-de-Paix.

Authorities have placed five departments under orange alert as severe weather continues.

Portmore on the Frontline

Evan Thompson, a senior meteorologist at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, has warned that the southern-coastal community of Portmore is at a major risk of storm surge and is at the frontline as Hurricane Melissa moves toward Jamaica. He made the comment during the Q&A at the Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management Emergency Centre in Kingston and said that the Hurricane could cause intense damage to one of Jamaica's largest community in the South.

Hurricane Melissa Resumes Intensification

After a slow intensification and an expected degradation, Hurricane Melissa has started to intensify again, the National Hurricane Centre reported in a recent advisory.

The Hurricane is expected to make a landfall in Jamaica in late Monday or early Tuesday as a disastros hurricane as it has already reached Category 4 level with sustained winds of 140km/h.

Hurricane #Melissa Advisory 22: Hurricane Melissa Resumes Intensifying. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 26, 2025

Visuals from Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa approaches

Road Alert: Birnamwood District, Portland Parish:

The Jamaica Constabulary Force reports that a section of the Birnamwood district has become impassable after a landslide and large boulders fell from the hillside onto the roadway.

Motorists are urged not to use the affected route and instead take alternative roads until further notice.

Updates will follow as rescue and clearance teams assess the area.

Hurricane Melissa strenghthens to Category 4 Hurricane

Hurricane Melissa has strenghthened to a disastrous Category 4 Hurricane as it approached Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h. As per the latest update by the National Hurricane Centre, Hurricane Melissa has already been causing intense damage across Jamaica.

While no official information is released yet regarding the damage, the hurricane is expected to cause more damage throughout the week going through Monday and Tuesday.

10/26 5am EDT: #Melissa is now a Category 4 Hurricane with 140 mph winds. Parts of #Jamaica may already be experiencing tropical storm force winds & heavy rains- conditions will get much worse there through Monday and Tuesday. For southern portions of Hispaniola, additional… pic.twitter.com/xqcbTuSD1N

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 26, 2025

Meteorologists cite Melissa as disastrous hurricane

Met experts throughout the Caribbean and US are concluding that Melissa could be the deadliest hurricane in Jamaica’s history causing intense damage to the island. As per the met experts, the slow movement of the hurricane is the reason that it will cause the most damage to the island, due to which Jamaica will be in urgent need of humanitarian aid after Hurricane Melissa’s passage.

Major Update: Hurricane Melissa

(2:00 am) Unfortunately, Melissa is rapidly intensifying southeast of Jamaica. The projected track remains largely unchanged and landfall as a Category 4 or possibly Category 5 hurricane is expected Tuesday morning.

After hitting Jamaica, the storm is forecast to cross Cuba and pass very close to the Turks and Caicos on Wednesday. The Central and Eastern Bahamas are likely to experience impacts, though not nearly as severe as what Jamaica is facing.

Melissa strenghthens to Category 3 Hurricane

The National Hurricane Centre has reported that Melissa has strenghthened to a strong Category 3 hurricane. As per the official update the hurricane is continuing intensifying and is expected to strenghthen more over the weekend.

NHC has urged jamaicans to stay indoor and get to the shelters while the hurricane passes through the island.

More than 881 shelters on Standby

Acting Director General for the office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson has stated that the almost 881 shelters are on standby across Jamaica to accomodate persons during and after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

He said that the shelters are open to accomodate individuals seeking protection.

JPS Confirms social media claims of power shut down are 'FAKE'

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has clarified that the claims circulating on social media that electricity would be shut off on Saturday as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island are 'Fake'.

JPS' Director of Corporate Communication, Wisome Callum said that the system will remain operational for as long as it is feasible.

Tourists Cite Disatisfaction 'No Hurricane Preparedness'

Tourists on social media shared their experience upon arriving to Jamaica stating that there was no disaster preprations as Melissa reaches Jamaica.

We have arrived at the airport! We left 5 hrs ahead for the 1 1/2 he drive, bc we didn’t know what to expect. But, we got here in less than 1 1/2. I was shocked that there are just no preparations happening. Not even at our resort. All of the beach chairs are still neatly lined up in rows across the sand. People are just going on about there day on this gorgeous sunny breezy day like it’s just another beautiful day. They have no idea of what may be coming. They have never seen a storm of this magnitude. I fear this is going to be devastating if it stays on track. I pray for them and that it continues to shift to the east. The airport is expected to close sometime today since the hurricane warning was placed last night.

Hurricane Melissa Forms in the Caribbean

Tropical Storm Melissa has strenghthened into a hurricane and is intensifying to become a major hurricane by tomorrow, the NHC stated. The hurricane currently has a maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.

2pm EDT 25 Oct Intermediate Advisory:#Melissa has become a #hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. Rapid Intensification is expected, and Melissa is forecast to become a major hurricane tomorrow.

Latest info at https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/v9Ie6d9KBQ

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 25, 2025