Hurricane Melissa Reaches Category 5 Strength
Hurricane Melissa has become one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record, reaching the rare strength of Category 5 on Monday. The “extremely dangerous” storm has its sights on Jamaica as of Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said. As of 1 p.m. ET, the NHC said Melissa had made landfall in New Hope, Jamaica, with 185 mph winds.
Preparation and Safety
As people prepare for the storm, some may wonder why others fill their bathtubs with water before a hurricane. This is a common practice to ensure access to clean water in case the storm disrupts the water supply. It’s also essential to stock up on food, water, and other essential supplies, and to have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
Storm Track and Forecast
The NHC said Melissa is moving at about 9 mph toward the north-northeast as of early Tuesday afternoon. Its slow speed is expected to keep it over Jamaica through the day before Melissa moves toward southeastern Cuba Wednesday morning. “Can’t remember a storm moving this slowly for this long,” Rebecca Barry, a meteorologist at Nexstar’s WFLA, remarked Tuesday during a broadcast of “Tracking the Tropics.” Winds are so strong, according to Barry, that it’s like a tornado, “but it’s lasting for over a day because it’s moving so slowly.”
Waves splash in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Damage and Destruction
“There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.” Massive wind damage is expected in Melissa’s core, and Jamaica’s highest mountains could see gusts of up to 200 mph, said Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. “It’s going to be a very dangerous scenario,” he said, warning that there would be “total building failures.”
Evacuation and Safety Concerns
Evacuation is not an option for some, including three Virginia couples who are currently in Jamaica. As the storm approaches, it’s essential for those in the affected areas to follow the instructions of local authorities and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Impact on the US
Melissa is the fifth most intense Atlantic basin hurricane on record by pressure and the strongest to make landfall since Hurricane Dorian in 2019, according to hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry. With as close as Jamaica and Cuba are to the U.S. — Havana, Cuba, is just over 100 miles away from Key West, Florida — it’s difficult not to wonder whether Melissa will impact the U.S.
Thankfully, current forecasting suggests that isn’t the case. The latest experimental cone from the NHC shows Melissa is expected to move through Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas, then travel northward through the Atlantic without reaching the East Coast.
The forecasted track for Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica on Oct. 28, 2025, as a Category 5 storm. (National Hurricane Center)
Weather Conditions on the East Coast
It’s the poor weather those along the East Coast are experiencing Tuesday that’s helping to keep Melissa away, according to Wes Hohenstein, the chief meteorologist for Nexstar’s WNCN. The region is reporting cool temperatures with breezy conditions and rain in some areas. “A lot of us are complaining on the East Coast today because we’ve got horrible weather, but it’s that horrible weather, jet stream dip that’s keeping the system away from the United States,” Hohenstein explained during “Tracking the Tropics.”
Atlantic Hurricane Season
Only one storm, Chantal, has reached the U.S. this Atlantic hurricane season. The tropical storm brought severe weather to South Carolina, North Carolina, and into Virginia after making landfall in early July. Others in the northeast also saw the impacts of Chantal.
Conclusion
Hurricane Melissa is a powerful and dangerous storm that has made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane. The storm’s slow speed and strong winds are expected to cause significant damage and destruction in the affected areas. While the US is not expected to be directly impacted, the storm’s proximity to the country is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Category 5 hurricane?
A: A Category 5 hurricane is the highest rating on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with winds of 157 mph or higher. Category 5 hurricanes are considered extremely dangerous and can cause catastrophic damage.
Q: How can I prepare for a hurricane?
A: To prepare for a hurricane, stock up on food, water, and other essential supplies, and have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Fill your bathtub with water, charge your devices, and stay informed about the storm’s track and forecast.
Q: Will Hurricane Melissa impact the US?
A: According to current forecasting, Hurricane Melissa is not expected to directly impact the US. However, the storm’s proximity to the country is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
