Hurricane Melissa is a major storm currently tracking toward Jamaica with the potential for landfall in the Caribbean region in the next 24–48 hours, along with dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, and significant flooding risks. Net assessments indicate Jamaica could experience catastrophic impacts, including life-threatening winds and rainfall totals that may lead to flooding and landslides, with further threats across southeastern Cuba and the Bahamas afterward.
Key points to know now
- Timing: Landfall is forecast for Jamaica in the near term, with the core expected to move near or over Jamaica, then continuing toward Cuba and the Bahamian region over the following 24–72 hours, depending on the exact track and forward speed.
- Intensity: Melissa has intensified to Category 5 in recent updates, with maximum sustained winds in the 155–175 mph range reported by various outlets; this makes it one of the strongest storms of the 2025 season and the strongest to threaten Jamaica so far this year.
- Impacts: Expected impacts include catastrophic wind damage, extreme rainfall with flash flooding and mudslides, storm surge along coastlines, and widespread power outages; the risk is highest in Jamaica, with dangerous conditions spreading to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Bahamas as it tracks west-northwest.
What to do if you’re in the path
- Follow official guidance: Monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and your local meteorological service, and adhere to any evacuation or shelter-in-place orders issued by authorities.
- Prepare now: Secure property, have an emergency kit ready (water, non-perishable food, medicines, batteries, flashlight), and identify a safe shelter area in your home away from windows. If local authorities mandate evacuation, comply promptly.
- Stay informed: Keep a battery-powered radio or mobile device charged for continuous updates on track, intensity, and local advisories as conditions can change rapidly in the Caribbean region.
If you’d like, I can pull the latest live tracking maps and official advisories for your exact location and provide a concise readiness checklist tailored to your area.
