Hurricane Melissa, now classified as a Category 5 storm, is rapidly approaching Jamaica with sustained winds of 280 km/h, making it the strongest hurricane of 2025. The storm poses a severe threat of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges across the Caribbean. As of late Monday, Melissa was located approximately 200 km south-southwest of Kingston and moving westward at a slow pace of about 5 km/h, which is expected to prolong the impact of heavy rainfall and strong winds on Jamaica and nearby islands.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has described Melissa as a “potentially catastrophic” cyclone, having intensified dramatically over the weekend due to exceptionally warm ocean waters and favourable atmospheric conditions. The storm has already caused devastation in parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, resulting in several fatalities and displacing thousands.

In preparation for the storm, Jamaican authorities have ordered evacuations in low-lying areas, closed airports, and opened shelters. Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned that “there is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5 hurricane,” highlighting the potential for significant damage. He described the situation as a “historic and life-threatening event.”

The storm is expected to make landfall early Tuesday, crossing Jamaica diagonally from St Elizabeth parish in the south to St Ann parish in the north. A life-threatening storm surge of up to 4 metres is anticipated, raising concerns about the safety of coastal hospitals. Health Minister Christopher Tufton mentioned that some patients have been moved to higher floors in anticipation of the surge.

As the storm approaches, officials have reported landslides, fallen trees, and power outages in Jamaica. The NHC has issued warnings of “catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding” and numerous landslides likely to occur through Tuesday. The storm's slow movement increases the risk of prolonged exposure to high winds and heavy rain, which could lead to severe flooding and landslides.

Meteorologists have noted that storms like Melissa are becoming more common due to climate change, with ocean temperatures in the region being 2-3 °C above average. This creates a significant energy reservoir for hurricane intensification. As the storm progresses, it is expected to move towards eastern Cuba and the Bahamas, with the flood threat extending across the northern Caribbean through midweek.

Emergency response teams are on high alert, and residents are urged to follow safety advisories and stay updated on the situation. The US embassy in Jamaica has also advised its citizens to prepare for potential sheltering in place as the storm approaches.