Melissa: A CAT-5 Monster Bearing Down on Jamaica.

October 27 2025

Hurricane Melissa exploded into a life-threatening Category 5 storm as it approached Jamaica on Monday, bringing catastrophic wind, surge and rain threats that emergency officials say could cause “catastrophic flooding” and deadly landslides across the island and neighbouring Hispaniola.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded Melissa to a major hurricane as reconnaissance aircraft continued to sample the storm; current advisories warn of destructive winds, a dangerous storm surge, and rainfall amounts that could produce catastrophic flash flooding and landslides.

Forecasters are projecting 15–30 inches of rain across much of Jamaica, with localized amounts as high as 40 inches possible totals capable of producing life-threatening floods and mudslides. Southern Hispaniola and parts of eastern Cuba are also forecast to receive heavy, damaging rainfall.

Jamaican authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations in the most vulnerable coastal and low-lying communities (including Port Royal and other Kingston neighborhoods) and opened hundreds of emergency shelters as officials plead with residents to move inland. Prime Minister Andrew Holness and local ministers warned that entire communities could be wiped out by flooding.

Reports indicate Melissa has already caused fatalities and severe impacts in Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) as heavy rains and flooding began before the storm reached peak intensity. Relief organizations and regional governments are mobilizing emergency response and search-and-rescue capacity where possible.

On the ground, Reuters and local outlets captured scenes of residents securing boats, stocking supplies, and fleeing to shelters while some people resisted evacuation orders, citing past shelter conditions and concerns about leaving property behind. Authorities emphasized that staying in low-lying or coastal homes risks entrapment or death.

Residents are advised to:

1. Evacuate immediately if ordered by local authorities, especially in low-lying, coastal, or landslide-prone areas.

2. Move to the highest safe location if you can not evacuate; bring emergency supplies, medications, and important documents sealed in waterproof containers. National Hurricane Center

3. Avoid floodwaters and downed power lines; one foot of moving water can knock an adult down, and six inches can sweep a vehicle away. The Weather Channel

4. Monitor official NHC advisories, and local emergency broadcast conditions and forecasts can change rapidly. National Hurricane Center

(Sources: National Hurricane Center, TIME, The Weather Channel)