Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica with 185 mph winds
*This is about as bad as it gets, unfortunately. If you haven’t heard, Hurricane Melissa made a catastrophic landfall in Jamaica yesterday (10-28-25), striking near New Hope in Westmoreland Parish. With winds peaking at 185 mph, it became the strongest hurricane ever recorded in Jamaican history.
As of October 29, the storm has weakened to a Category 1 with 90 mph winds. But the damage in Jamaica is already widespread, especially in the southern and western regions.
At least four dead as flooding and wind wreak havoc
Jamaican authorities have confirmed four deaths so far, including three from pre-landfall flooding and one directly from the storm. Across the Caribbean, the death toll stands at 7 to 8, including casualties in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Flooding was particularly devastating in St. Elizabeth Parish, where up to 40 inches of rain fell. Flash floods and storm surges up to 13 feet swamped communities like Santa Cruz and Black River.
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Major blackout leaves over 530,000 without power
More than 77% of Jamaica Public Service customers lost electricity due to Hurricane Melissa. In total, over 530,000 people are in the dark, with damage to power lines and substations slowing restoration efforts.
Internet access dropped to just 42% of normal levels, and many communities remain cut off due to blocked roads and downed communication towers.
Hospitals damaged, thousands take shelter
Two major hospitals were hit hard: Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital lost its roof, and St. Elizabeth’s main public hospital was evacuated after power outages. Health workers are scrambling to relocate patients.
Roughly 15,000 people are staying in emergency shelters across the island. Search-and-rescue operations are active, though some emergency centers in areas like Black River were destroyed by the storm.
Let’s keep Jamaica in our prayers. The devastation is heartbreaking.??? pic.twitter.com/HJ5eW8Sa6H
— BIG KAY?? (@OfficialBigkay) October 29, 2025
Government declares disaster, relief efforts underway
Prime Minister Andrew Holness officially declared Jamaica a disaster area, citing “major impacts” to homes, hospitals, and public infrastructure. He toured the devastated St. Elizabeth region by air and promised a “strong recovery.”
Road-clearing crews are using heavy equipment to open blocked routes. Relief flights will begin arriving at Norman Manley International Airport today, and commercial evacuations are set to start Thursday.
Tourists accounted for but economic damage expected
All 25,000 international tourists stranded by Hurricane Melissa have been located safely, including around 8,000 British nationals. Jamaica’s tourism minister confirmed ongoing coordination for departures.
The storm arrived during the peak travel season and is expected to cause economic damage similar to Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which slowed the country’s GDP growth.
Health risks rise as floodwaters recede
Authorities have warned of serious public health concerns following the storm. Contaminated water, lack of sanitation, and overcrowded shelters could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Residents in some areas are also reporting crocodiles in flooded neighborhoods. Officials have issued warnings about displaced reptiles entering residential zones.
Hurricane Melissa moves on toward Bahamas and Bermuda
After striking Cuba as a Category 3 storm near Santiago de Cuba, Hurricane Melissa is now heading toward the southeastern Bahamas. Up to 10 inches of rain is expected, with hurricane conditions possible near Bermuda by Thursday.
Experts link Melissa’s rapid strengthening to rising ocean temperatures fueled by climate change. The storm’s intensity reflects a troubling trend in Atlantic hurricane seasons.
Jamaicans show strength as recovery begins
Despite the damage, the Jamaican spirit remains strong. Communities have come together through prayer, neighborly support, and early recovery work. Cleanup has already begun in safer areas.
Officials continue to urge citizens to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management teams. The full scale of Hurricane Melissa’s impact is still unfolding.
Get live updates at USA Today, Weather.com, and/or NY Times.
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