Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica prepares for the strongest storm on the planet in 2025

In Jamaica, three lives have already been lost as the nation prepares for the strongest storm of the year globally – possibly the most powerful in the island’s history – with meteorologists in the US alerting of “catastrophic and life-threatening” conditions.

Hurricane Melissa, a category five storm, boasts wind speeds of up to 175mph (282km/h). It is gaining intensity and is slated to hit the Caribbean island early Tuesday.

The storm has previously been attributed to four fatalities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in addition to those in Jamaica.

Analysts caution that the slow movement of Melissa could result in extended heavy rainfall in certain regions, heightening the risk of deadly floods and landslides.

Newest reports from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the US indicate that, concerning peak winds and low central pressure, Melissa stands as the strongest storm worldwide this year.

With its current force, it would be the most powerful hurricane to impact Jamaica since records began in 1851, as reported by CBS, the BBC’s US news affiliate.

Tropical storm conditions are already manifesting in Jamaica, and the latest NHC public advisory update noted that “catastrophic and life-threatening hurricane-force winds are anticipated to commence Tuesday morning,” issued at 23:00 ET (03:00 GMT) on Monday.

On Monday evening, Jamaica’s health and wellness ministry reported three “storm-related fatalities” in anticipation of the hurricane’s landfall.

The NHC reported that Melissa was positioned roughly 140 miles (240km) south-west of Kingston, sustaining winds at 175mph (280km/h) and moving “north-northeast” at 2mph (4 km/h).

The update cautioned that within the eyewall— the core of the hurricane where wind speeds are usually the most intense— “total structural collapse is probable, especially in regions of higher elevation,” where winds could be as much as 30% stronger.

Director of the NHC, Michael Brennan, alerted Jamaicans: “Do not go outside due to the predicted catastrophic, life-threatening flash floods and numerous landslides expected through Tuesday.”

He recommended against “venturing out during the eye’s passage over your location. The forward velocity of Melissa will expedite, and the eye will swiftly cross the island.”

According to the NHC, there may be up to 40 inches of rain (100cm) in sections of Jamaica over the next four days.

“This dramatic potential for rainfall, due to the sluggish speed, is going to lead to a catastrophic situation in Jamaica,” stated NHC deputy director Jamie Rhome.

The Jamaican government has mandated evacuations for areas in Kingston. In a BBC interview, Jamaican Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon warned of an upcoming storm “of unprecedented nature”.

“We’ve endured precipitation throughout October. Thus, the ground is already heavily saturated. An additional substantial rainfall will result in flooding, significant flooding, and landslides in the hilly regions,” she informed BBC Newshour.

The minister also mentioned: “We have 881 shelters. We have activated all shelters, and all are complimentary.”

A Hurricane Hunter aircraft, engaged in gathering information during severe storms and aiding forecasts on hurricanes’ paths and strengths, was compelled to abort its mission following severe turbulence, according to a spokesperson from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, relaying information to CBS.

Evadney Campbell, a London resident visiting family on the northern coast of Jamaica, conveyed to the BBC: “The residence I am in is hurricane-proof, constructed with blocks and steel throughout, and filled with concrete.

“We are checking in on our neighbors to ensure their safety.

“I’m concerned about individuals residing in the lowlands in the southeast. Many hesitate to vacate their homes, fearing looting,” said Ms. Campbell.

Damian Anderson, a 47-year-old educator from Hagley Gap, a mountainous area in the southeast, indicated that impassable roads have already isolated his community.

“We are stuck. We are frightened,” he was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for the immediate evacuation of numerous at-risk communities across the island.

In a post on X, he urged “every Jamaican to get ready, stay indoors during the storm, and adhere to evacuation directives”.

“We will endure this storm and emerge stronger,” he stated.

“You have been cautioned. The responsibility lies with you to use this information wisely,” he conveyed in a briefing and also told CNN, “I doubt any infrastructure in this area could endure a Category 5 storm, so there could be considerable displacement.”

In certain rural locations, school buses were utilized to transport vulnerable individuals to shelters throughout the nation.

Later Tuesday evening, hurricane conditions are forecast for Cuba, along with tropical storm conditions in Haiti, per the NHS report.

The Bahamas is set to experience hurricane conditions on Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands that same day.

At least three fatalities are confirmed in Haiti, and hundreds of homes have been inundated as Melissa unleashed heavy rainfall on Hispaniola.

In the Dominican Republic, on the eastern side of Hispaniola, one person has also died.

Local sources identified the deceased as a 79-year-old man who was swept away by rising floodwaters in the capital, Santo Domingo.

A 13-year-old has been reported missing after being pulled away by strong currents while swimming.

Several individuals were rescued after they were trapped in their vehicles by the rising floodwaters.

If you are in the region, tell us about your preparations for the hurricane.