Hurricane Melissa barreled through the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake as it made its way towards Bermuda. This powerful storm, which became one of the strongest ever recorded, brought catastrophic winds, relentless rain, and devastating storm surges to islands like Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola.
The Storm’s Initial Fury: Jamaica and Beyond
I remember hearing the first reports. It was October 27, 2025, and Hurricane Melissa was rapidly intensifying. By Monday morning, it had officially become a Category 5 hurricane, a true monster with sustained winds reaching an astounding 160 mph. My heart went out to everyone in its path, especially Jamaica, which was bracing for a direct hit.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) was clear: Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic were looking at 15 to 30 inches of rain, with some areas potentially seeing even more. Local officials painted a grim picture, warning that this deluge, combined with powerful winds, would cause deadly flash flooding and landslides. The period between midday Monday and midday Tuesday was expected to be the most destructive. All airports in Jamaica had already closed on Sunday, a stark reminder of the severity of the impending storm.
As Melissa churned closer, the news became even more dire. Jamie Rhome, the deputy director of the NHC, emphasized that conditions in Jamaica would deteriorate rapidly and that residents needed to be prepared to endure the storm for several days. What made Melissa particularly dangerous was its agonizingly slow speed. Moving at a mere 3 mph, it would linger over affected areas, continuously dumping rain and amplifying the destruction.
By late Monday, Melissa had made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane. It was a truly historic event, with NOAA calling it one of the most powerful storms on record for the island. The winds were an incredible 185 mph, and the pressure dropped to 892 mb—numbers that painted a picture of immense destructive force.
The Aftermath in Jamaica: A Path of Destruction
The immediate impacts were heartbreaking. Seven lives were lost in Jamaica, and over half a million people were left without power. Imagine being one of the 25,000 tourists stranded, waiting for the airports to reopen while the island grappled with such devastation. The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, which had shut down on Saturday night, eventually reopened for relief flights on Wednesday. However, the timeline for Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay remained uncertain, highlighting the extensive damage.
Richard Thompson, ODPEM’S acting director general, made a statement that resonated deeply: “There is nowhere that will escape the wrath of this hurricane.” Evan Thompson, from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, echoed the sentiment, explaining that the storm’s slow movement meant there would be no quick recovery. It would just sit there, relentlessly pouring water. Over 650 shelters were opened, and warehouses were stocked with emergency supplies, including thousands of food packages, ready for distribution.
Melissa’s Journey Continues: Cuba, Hispaniola, and Beyond
Melissa wasn’t done yet. After its devastating impact on Jamaica, it moved onward, making landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday. Although slightly weakened, it still brought heavy rain, high winds, and a dangerous storm surge to the Cuban coast. Reports from Weather.com indicated that the storm’s effects were still being felt in Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas, emphasizing the wide reach of this immense weather system.
Even before its direct hit, Melissa had already claimed lives. At least three people died in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with another person reported missing. These neighboring islands, which share Hispaniola, also experienced bands of rain and wind, contributing to the broader humanitarian crisis. Forecasters predicted that Melissa would continue its journey toward Bermuda, bringing hurricane conditions to the island by Thursday.
Airlines and Cruise Lines Respond
As the storm developed, the travel industry sprang into action. Airlines serving the Caribbean region issued travel advisories, waived change fees for impacted travelers, and planned extra flights to assist with evacuations once airports reopened. It was a scramble to adapt to the rapidly changing situation and ensure the safety of passengers.
Cruise lines also adjusted their itineraries to avoid Melissa’s path. Companies like Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International swiftly rerouted ships to steer clear of the storm. For instance, Carnival Liberty, which was scheduled to visit Montego Bay and Grand Cayman, instead headed to Mahogany Bay, Honduras, and Belize. Carnival Celebration’s calls to Grand Turk and Amber Cove were swapped for Cozumel, Mexico. It was a testament to their commitment to passenger safety.
Relief Efforts Underway
The spirit of giving and support quickly emerged. In response to the devastation, organizations like the Carnival Corporation, the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, and Holland America made significant donations to Direct Relief. This global humanitarian nonprofit specializes in providing emergency medical assistance and disaster relief. Direct Relief had already begun implementing its plans to help those impacted in Jamaica, bringing much-needed aid to communities in crisis.
The U.S. State Department announced that officials were closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa and evaluating the need for additional assistance. They emphasized their readiness to provide life-saving aid to affected countries and people when it aligned with the interests of the United States. This coordinated effort between governmental bodies and non-profits was crucial in the face of such widespread devastation.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Resilience
As Melissa moved away from the Caribbean, the focus shifted to recovery. While the storm was expected to remain at sea as it traveled along the East Coast of the United States, coastal areas would still feel the impact of its residual winds and rain. The immediate priority in the devastated islands was getting essential supplies to those in need. Emergency relief flights were operating in Jamaica, distributing water, food, and other basic necessities. The journey to rebuild would be long, but the resilience of the Caribbean people, and the support from the international community, would be vital.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Melissa
What was Hurricane Melissa’s peak intensity?
Hurricane Melissa reached peak intensity as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph and an atmospheric pressure of 892 millibars, making it one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the region.
Which areas were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa severely impacted Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. It later moved towards Bermuda.
What kind of damage did Hurricane Melissa cause?
The storm caused widespread infrastructural damage, including power and communication outages, destructive winds, catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and a dangerous storm surge. It also resulted in fatalities and left many people displaced.
How did the travel industry respond to Hurricane Melissa?
Airlines issued travel advisories, waived change fees, and planned extra flights for evacuations. Major cruise lines altered itineraries to avoid the storm’s path, rerouting ships to safer locations.
What relief efforts were put in place for Hurricane Melissa victims?
Emergency relief flights delivered water, food, and basic supplies. Organizations like the Carnival Corporation and Holland America donated to Direct Relief, a non-profit providing medical assistance and disaster relief. The U.S. State Department also offered to provide aid.
When did Hurricane Melissa make landfall in Jamaica?
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane on the afternoon of October 28, 2025.
References
Weather.com
National Hurricane Center
ABC News
AP News
CNN
How You Can Help
The Caribbean islands affected by Hurricane Melissa face a long road to recovery. Many individuals and communities are in urgent need of assistance. If you are able, please consider donating to reputable humanitarian organizations that are actively involved in relief efforts. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in helping these communities rebuild their lives. Your support can provide essential supplies, medical aid, and long-term recovery assistance. Together, we can help those impacted by Hurricane Melissa rise again.
