Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, near New Hope in the southwestern part of the island, as a Category 5 storm with extreme winds and life-threatening flooding potential. The latest public reports indicate the core struck around early afternoon local time (approximately 1 p.m. local/ET depending on reporting), bringing catastrophic wind, heavy rainfall, and dangerous conditions across the island. Key details and context
- Intensity at landfall: Category 5 with sustained winds around 175–185 mph (some updates cited higher gusts), making it one of the most powerful storms to hit Jamaica on record. The strongest landfalls in Jamaica’s recorded history occurred with storms of this magnitude, leading to widespread destruction and long-lasting power outages in affected areas.
- Timing: Landfall occurred on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with reports placing the moment in the early afternoon local time. Forecasts had indicated Jamaica would experience the worst impacts within 24 hours of landfall, with rainfall totals potentially reaching extreme levels in some regions.
- Impacts: Widespread wind damage, extreme rain leading to flash flooding and mudslides, and potential storm surge along coastlines. Authorities issued evacuation and sheltering advisories for vulnerable communities, and response efforts were underway across the island. Death and injury reports vary by source and are updated as emergency teams assess affected areas.
- Next steps: After Jamaica, the storm was projected to move toward Cuba and then the Bahamas, with heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions continuing in the region as Melissa tracks northward. Residents in the region should monitor official guidance and stay in sheltered locations until authorities declare it safe to resume normal activities.
Notes for context
- Reports about the storm’s strength and exact timing can vary slightly by outlet and time of reporting as agencies update advisory statements and post-storm assessments. If you need the very latest official statements, checking the National Hurricane Center or your national meteorological service will provide the most current, authoritative details.
If you’d like, I can pull in the latest official advisories or provide a concise timeline of Melissa’s progression through the Caribbean, including impacts in Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
