News|Climate CrisisJamaica braces as Hurricane Melissa strengthens offshoreThe Category 5 storm which could bring up to one metre of rain to Jamaica is moving towards the Caribbean island at a worryingly slow pace.
Jamaica is currently under threat from Hurricane Melissa, which has intensified to a Category 5 storm as of Mon, Oct 26, 2025. The storm is advancing at a slow pace of 7 kilometers per hour (approximately 4 miles per hour), potentially leading to…
Jamaica is currently under threat from Hurricane Melissa, which has intensified to a Category 5 storm as of Mon, Oct 26, 2025. The storm is advancing at a slow pace of 7 kilometers per hour (approximately 4 miles per hour), potentially leading to prolonged adverse weather conditions and significant rainfall across the region.
As of the latest update, Hurricane Melissa was located approximately 205 kilometers (130 miles) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 495 kilometers (310 miles) south-southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba. The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday.
The storm brings sustained winds exceeding 250 kilometers per hour (157 miles per hour), posing a severe risk of flash flooding and landslides. Rainfall could reach up to 1 meter (40 inches) in some areas as the storm passes directly over the island.
The Jamaican government has initiated mandatory evacuations in several vulnerable areas, including Port Royal in Kingston, Portland Cottage and Rocky Point in Clarendon, Old Harbour Bay in St. Catherine, and Taylor Land, Bull Bay, New Haven, and Riverton City in St. Andrew.
Jamaica is currently under threat from Hurricane Melissa, which has intensified to a Category 5 storm as of Mon, Oct 26, 2025.
Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, has highlighted a potential for flooding across all parishes, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Residents are urged to seek shelter in safer locations.
After affecting Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is projected to head towards eastern Cuba by Tuesday night, continuing to impact Haiti and the Dominican Republic with rain and strong winds. The Dominican Republic has issued a red alert for nine provinces due to potential flash floods and landslides, while Cuba has issued hurricane warnings for multiple provinces.
Hurricane Melissa is the 13th named storm of the current Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from early June to late November. Jamaica, contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, continues to experience significant climate challenges, with increasing storm frequency and severity attributed to climate change.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for enhanced climate financing from wealthier nations to support adaptation efforts in small island developing states like Jamaica.
Jamaica's primary airports and seaports, including Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport, have been closed in anticipation of the storm's impact.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.