Kingston, Jamaica — Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm with sustained winds reaching 175 miles per hour (280 km/h), barrels toward the island. The storm, described by meteorologists as the world’s most powerful hurricane of 2025, threatens to unleash catastrophic rainfall, flooding, and devastation across the Caribbean nation.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded Melissa early Monday, warning that it could become the strongest hurricane ever recorded in Jamaica’s history. The storm’s central pressure continues to drop rapidly, a sign of its intensifying strength, as satellite images reveal a tightly wound eye and a sprawling storm system stretching more than 400 miles across.
Meteorologists predict that rainfall could exceed 40 inches (101 cm) in some areas, with life-threatening flash floods and mudslides likely in both low-lying and mountainous regions. “Melissa’s scale and intensity make it one of the most dangerous storms we’ve seen in recent years,” said Dr. Laura Mendez, a senior hurricane specialist with the NHC. “Residents should treat this as a life-threatening situation.”
The storm has already left a deadly path across the Caribbean. At least four people have been confirmed dead in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where torrential rains and hurricane-force winds destroyed homes, downed power lines, and triggered widespread flooding. Thousands were displaced over the weekend as Melissa strengthened into a major hurricane and moved westward toward Jamaica.
By Monday morning, outer rain bands began lashing Jamaica’s northeast coast. Powerful gusts exceeding 270 km/h (168 mph) ripped through coastal towns, uprooting trees, snapping power poles, and sending debris flying through the air. Flash flooding was reported in parts of Port Antonio, St. Mary, and St. Thomas, while Kingston and Montego Bay prepared for the storm’s full impact later in the day.
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders in several high-risk coastal and flood-prone areas, including the historic town of Port Royal, once known as the “wickedest city on Earth.” Government shelters across the island have been opened, accommodating tens of thousands of evacuees. Still, some residents remain reluctant to leave their homes, fearing looting or damage to their properties.
“We’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Marlene Forbes, a resident of Port Maria who sought refuge with her family at a local community center. “The winds are howling, the sea is rising, and all we can do is pray.”
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called on all Jamaicans to remain indoors and prioritize safety. In a national address Monday morning, he confirmed that the government has released an emergency response fund of £25 million (US$33 million) to support evacuation, shelter operations, and post-storm recovery efforts. “This is an unprecedented threat,” Holness said. “Our number one priority is to save lives. We urge everyone to follow official instructions and stay safe.”
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), along with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and several international relief organizations, have already begun coordinating logistical and humanitarian support. Supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, are being pre-positioned in nearby countries for quick deployment once conditions allow.
As preparations intensify, airports across Jamaica have been closed, and all domestic and international flights cancelled until further notice. The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay suspended operations on Sunday night, while major ports have ceased activity. Emergency and rescue teams are on full alert as authorities brace for widespread damage and possible communication blackouts.
Officials fear that remote communities could soon be completely isolated as rivers overflow and bridges collapse under the immense rainfall. Landslides have already blocked sections of the North Coast Highway, hampering evacuation efforts and delaying emergency response teams.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has issued continuous updates, urging citizens to prepare emergency kits, secure personal documents, and remain tuned to official channels. “This is not a time to take chances,” said Richard Thompson, Deputy Director-General of ODPEM. “If you live near rivers, hillsides, or coastal zones, evacuate immediately. We expect major flooding and significant structural damage.”
Across Kingston, power outages began spreading by midday as transmission lines fell under the strain of the storm’s winds. Emergency crews struggled to maintain communication links, while hospitals activated backup generators. Health officials also warned of potential disease outbreaks if sanitation systems fail during post-storm flooding.
International meteorological agencies are monitoring Melissa’s path closely, as forecasts suggest it could maintain Category 5 strength even after crossing Jamaica before weakening slightly over the Cayman Islands. Forecasters also warned that Melissa could impact parts of Cuba and the Yucatán Peninsula later in the week.
Environmental scientists are calling Hurricane Melissa another grim indicator of climate change’s escalating impact on extreme weather events. Warmer ocean temperatures have been linked to the rapid intensification of tropical storms, allowing hurricanes to grow stronger in a shorter time. “We’re witnessing the new normal,” said Dr. Emmanuel Richards, a climate researcher based in Trinidad. “The Caribbean is on the frontline of climate change. Each storm grows stronger and more destructive.”
As the storm’s center draws nearer, Jamaican authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew and suspended all non-essential services. The government has urged citizens to store clean water, charge communication devices, and avoid coastal areas entirely. Rescue teams, police, and the military are on standby to respond immediately once the winds subside.
Despite the growing panic, there remains a spirit of resilience across the island. Churches and community groups have opened their doors to shelter displaced families. Volunteers are assisting emergency workers, while local radio stations continue to broadcast messages of hope and unity.
“This storm will test us,” Prime Minister Holness said in his closing remarks. “But Jamaicans are strong. We have faced challenges before, and we will rise again.”
With torrential rains now pounding the island and hurricane-force winds expected to continue through Tuesday, the full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s destruction will not be known for several days. For now, Jamaicans can only hold fast, pray for safety, and hope that early warnings and swift evacuations will spare the island from the worst of nature’s fury.
