KINGSTON, Jamaica (Oct. 25, 2025) — What began as a tropical storm has now become a powerful and dangerous hurricane.
Hurricane Melissa intensified rapidly overnight and is now packing winds near 90 mph (150 km/h) — with forecasters warning it could reach Category 4 strength before slamming into Jamaica early next week.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) says Melissa’s slow, unpredictable crawl toward the island could unleash catastrophic flooding, landslides, and destructive storm surges, leaving Jamaica and parts of southern Hispaniola under grave threat.
“Entire Jamaica Will Be Impacted” — Prime Minister Warns
At a press conference in Kingston, Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans to prepare immediately.
“Now is the time to be ready,” Holness said. “The entire Jamaica will be impacted for multiple days.”
While he stopped short of issuing a mandatory evacuation, Holness urged residents in low-lying and coastal areas, including Port Royal and sections of Kingston, to evacuate before conditions deteriorate.
“Today Is the Last Day to Prepare”
Meteorological experts say the storm could make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Tuesday and linger over the island for as long as five days — a rare and terrifying prospect for any Caribbean nation.
Evan Thompson, Jamaica’s principal director at the Meteorological Service, warned:
“Today is really the last day to do what you have to do on the outside.”
The NHC forecasts 15 to 30 inches (38–76 cm) of rainfall across Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with isolated areas seeing up to 40 inches. On the south coast, storm surges could reach 13 feet, accompanied by massive, destructive waves.
Fishermen and Vendors Race Against Time
Across Kingston, a sense of urgency has taken over. Fishermen are securing boats, vendors are rushing to sell off goods, and families are stocking up on water and food before the storm hits.
Clive Davis, a local fisherman, secured his boat, “Prince Daniel,” along the shoreline.
“This one feels different,” he said. “It’s gonna slow down business, but it’s nature. We can’t fight against nature.”
Nearby, herb seller Diane Thompson packed up her stall and whispered a prayer.
“When it’s moving slow, it’s the worst,” she said. “I asked God this morning to turn back the storm — because no matter what, we cannot manage it.”
A Region on Edge
Melissa is currently located 130 miles southeast of Kingston and moving west at just 3 mph, setting the stage for prolonged rainfall and sustained hurricane-force winds.
The NHC has issued a hurricane warning for Jamaica and watches for parts of Haiti and Cuba, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin.
As the storm closes in, fears are mounting that Melissa could rival or surpass the damage of 2024’s Hurricane Beryl, which caused widespread destruction across the Caribbean.
The Bottom Line
For now, Jamaica is holding its breath.
The storm’s slow crawl means more time to prepare — but also more time for fear to build. With meteorologists warning of a “catastrophic” impact, every hour counts before the full force of Hurricane Melissa arrives.
“We can’t fight against nature,” Clive said, looking out to sea. “All we can do is pray.”
