Hurricane Melissa Strikes Jamaica: Strongest Storm in History

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph, made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025, marking the strongest hurricane to ever strike the island. The storm caused extensive flooding, particularly in the parish of St. Elizabeth, affecting over half a million residents and damaging critical infrastructure, including hospitals, homes, and roads. While no official fatalities had been confirmed at the time, significant casualties were feared.

Melissa's rapid intensification has been linked to unusually warm ocean temperatures, a phenomenon associated with climate change. The storm's slow movement raised concerns for deadly flash flooding and landslides in the Caribbean. Aid organizations have begun mobilizing for a large relief effort, especially for Jamaica's agriculture sector, which Melissa heavily impacted.

The hurricane's center was located near latitude 18.5 North, longitude 77.7 West, with maximum sustained winds near 145 mph (230 km/h). The storm's slow movement raised concerns for deadly flash flooding and landslides in the Caribbean. Aid organizations have begun mobilizing for a large relief effort, focusing on Jamaica's heavily impacted agriculture sector.