Hurricane Melissa Latest Update: Category 5 Storm Makes Landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025
Hurricane Melissa reached Category 5 status and made landfall on Jamaica's south coast at 10:15 a.m. EDT on October 28, 2025, marking it as the strongest hurricane on record to strike the island. Sustained winds of 180 mph have caused significant damage in southern parishes, including power outages affecting more than 200,000 households and three confirmed fatalities from structural collapses and flooding. Evacuation efforts continue as the storm moves slowly inland, with authorities reporting over 50,000 residents displaced and ongoing movements to 800 shelters.
The National Hurricane Center reports that Melissa's eye passed over Black River, bringing a brief lull before additional rain bands deliver up to 40 inches over mountainous areas, raising risks of flash floods and landslides. Coastal regions face storm surges of up to 13 feet, leading to inundation in low-lying communities. Airports remain closed, and essential services like hospitals operate on backup power, while rescue operations prioritize isolated areas.
This event follows a busy 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with warmer-than-average Caribbean sea surface temperatures contributing to the storm's rapid intensification. Scientists from Climate Central note these conditions are at least 500 times more likely due to climate change, which enhances storm strength and duration.
Jamaica's Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management has deployed 10,000 personnel for response efforts, including airlifts to flood-affected zones. Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the public from a secure location at 9 a.m. EDT, stating: “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5.” Disaster Risk Management Minister Desmond McKenzie added: "Don't bet against Melissa; it is a bet we can't win."
A satellite view captures Hurricane Melissa as it nears Jamaica, highlighting the Category 5 storm’s size and strength.
Storm Status: Essential Updates on Hurricane Melissa
Where Is Hurricane Melissa Now – Latest Tracker October 28, 2025?
As of 11 a.m. EDT, the storm's center is stalled near Mandeville in central Jamaica, approximately 15 miles inland, with winds at 165 mph and heavy rain continuing across the island.
Why Is Hurricane Melissa So Intense This 2025 Season?
Elevated sea surface temperatures in the Caribbean, made at least 500 times more likely by human-induced climate change, enabled the storm's quick escalation to Category 5 status and its current slow movement.
How Many Casualties and Evacuations from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica?
Reports confirm three deaths by midday, with over 50,000 people displaced amid evacuations to shelters; outages impact more than 200,000 homes, and military units assist in ongoing search-and-rescue missions.
| Fast Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Landfall Time | Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica's south coast at 10:15 a.m. EDT on October 28, 2025, as a Category 5 storm. |
| Wind Speeds | Sustained winds reached 180 mph, the strongest ever recorded for a Jamaica landfall. |
| Casualties | Three confirmed fatalities from collapses and flooding as of midday October 28, 2025. |
| Power Outages | Over 200,000 households affected, with hospitals running on backup generators. |
| Evacuations | More than 50,000 residents displaced to 800 shelters across the island. |
| Rainfall Forecast | Up to 40 inches expected over mountainous areas, heightening flash flood and landslide risks. |
| Storm Surge | Waves up to 13 feet inundating coastal bays and low-lying communities. |
| Climate Link | Warm sea temperatures, 500 times more likely due to climate change, fueled rapid intensification. |
