Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica with sustained winds of 145 mph, causing widespread destruction and significant disruption across the island nation. The storm’s intensity has led to concerns about catastrophic flooding, structural damage, and prolonged power outages.

Story Highlights

• Hurricane Melissa impacted Jamaica with sustained winds of 145 mph.
• Catastrophic flooding and structural damage are anticipated.
• The storm’s intensity has exceeded that of previous hurricanes such as Gilbert (1988) and Ivan (2004).
• Long-term power outages and community isolation are projected.

Historic Storm Delivers Extensive Destruction

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph, creating conditions described by meteorologists as historic for the region. The National Hurricane Center issued warnings regarding damaging winds and heavy rainfall, which are expected to result in catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding. Western Jamaica, particularly the Montego Bay area, is experiencing severe impacts as the storm’s core moves through.

The storm’s intensity has surpassed that of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and Hurricane Ivan in 2004, indicating Melissa as a potentially highly destructive hurricane in Jamaica’s recorded history. Rainfall totals of 20 to 30 inches are expected across mountainous terrain, which could lead to numerous landslides and further impact communities.

In just 18 hours Melissa has rapidly intensified from a 70 MPH Tropical Storm to a 140 MPH Cat. 4 #hurricane. Forecast to a Cat. 5 before landfall in Jamaica Tuesday AM, this will likely be their worst on record. @RobertRayWx is live from Kingston on @foxweather & @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/3zBRpmK8RF

— Mike Seidel (@mikeseidel) October 26, 2025

Infrastructure Faces Significant Challenges

Emergency officials have indicated that poorly constructed homes may experience structural failure due to Melissa’s winds. The storm’s power is anticipated to cause extensive infrastructural damage, with long-duration power and communication outages expected to isolate communities for extended periods. Jamaica’s mountainous geography and flood-prone coastal areas contribute to the hurricane’s destructive potential.

Life-threatening storm surge along portions of Jamaica’s southern coast adds to the risks. The combination of extreme winds, torrential rainfall, and dangerous storm surge is expected to challenge the island’s disaster preparedness capabilities, prompting residents to seek emergency shelter.

Regional Impact Extends Beyond Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa’s path of destruction has extended beyond Jamaica, with reports of catastrophic flooding and landslides in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Cuba, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Bermuda have received warnings to prepare for hurricane conditions as Melissa continues its trajectory through the Caribbean. This widespread regional impact highlights the storm’s size and intensity, affecting multiple island nations.

The economic implications are expected to impact the Caribbean tourism and agriculture sectors, with significant disruption to regional trade and transportation networks. International aid organizations are mobilizing resources in anticipation of a humanitarian crisis that may require sustained relief efforts and long-term recovery planning across several affected nations.

Watch the report: 145 mph Winds And Rising—Melissa Set To Become a Category 5 Before Jamaica Landfall!

Sources:

Hurricane Melissa monster Category 4, catastrophic threat for Jamaica, Haiti. Florida impact?
Hurricane Melissa poised to rapidly intensify as it heads toward Jamaica
How Hurricane Melissa Rapidly Intensified – The New York Times