Hurricane Melissa Batters Jamaica: Island Endures Strongest Storm on Record

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While many states are easing into the fall season, one county prepares for the strongest storm ever recorded in the nation’s history. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, is set to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025. With dangerous winds up to 175mph, rain, flooding, and storm predicaments, government officials are doing all they can to prepare for the predicted catastrophic damage. This has included evacuation orders, flash flood warnings, and impending landslides.

According to Mint, these preparations are in response to its attacks on other countries: “The rare storm has intensified further, and has already killed three people in Haiti and one person in the Dominican Republic, reported BBC News.” While the storm is unlikely to impact the US, it has already closed all major airports in Jamaica due to heavy rain and worsening conditions.

Like many countries facing natural disasters, there is only so much one can do to prepare for upcoming damage. “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge” (CBN).

Beyond landslides, fallen trees, and power outages, one of the biggest threats Hurricane Melissa brings is the impact on hospitals along the coastline. While many patients have already been relocated to the second floor, what may happen is uncertain. With little power and communication, according to Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, Jamaica and surrounding countries are in need of prayer and a miracle: “We will [need to] get through it together,” said Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica’s meteorological service (CBN).