Hurricane Melissa Gains Strength, Threatens Jamaica with Catastrophic Impacts

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:10:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hurricane Melissa is intensifying into a likely Category 5 storm, poised to hit Jamaica with life-threatening flooding and landslides. Residents are urged to finalize preparations as the cyclone approaches.

Hurricane Melissa, now boasting winds of 120 mph, is forecasted to become a Category 5 storm as it approaches Jamaica. The National Hurricane Center warns of potentially devastating effects including severe flooding and landslides, as the storm is expected to bring up to 30 inches of rain. Preparations are urgently encouraged in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic as the hurricane poses dire threats to infrastructure and human safety.

Hurricane Melissa Gains Strength, Threatens Jamaica with Catastrophic Impacts

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph (195 km/h) as of 06:00 GMT, is currently moving north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The NHC warns of power outages and damage to infrastructure as Melissa brings up to 30 inches (76cm) of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft (4m) above ground. Residents have been advised to seek shelter now.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane of this Atlantic season, which runs until November. A category five hurricane is the most severe type, with winds exceeding 157 mph.

While it is predicted to weaken to a category four before reaching Jamaica, the NHC states that the overall impacts will remain serious. Preparations are urged to be completed swiftly as tropical storm-strength winds and rain are anticipated long before the hurricane passes over central Jamaica, threatening areas including Kingston.

The agency has emphasized a multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall that could lead to catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reassured citizens of the importance of preparation amid the anxiety surrounding the approaching storm: The best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared.

Residents are advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards and to stock up on essential supplies. Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba, where similar effects are expected early next week.

Landslides triggered by the hurricane have already claimed two lives in Haiti, according to the nation’s Civil Protection agency. Melissa is expected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday, likely weakening to a category three storm.

Although linking individual weather events directly to climate change poses challenges, scientists note that warmer oceans tend to make weather events like hurricanes more severe. As the start of this year’s hurricane season approached, forecasters warned of above-normal activity due to warmer seas and potential stronger weather patterns.