Posted: Tuesday, October 28, 2025. 8:48 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm packing catastrophic winds of up to 175 mph (280 km/h), began making landfall in southern Jamaica late Tuesday morning, unleashing life-threatening conditions across the island.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center’s morning update, the storm’s eye was located approximately 55 miles (90 km) south-southeast of Negril, moving north-northeast at about 7 mph (11 km/h).
Forecasters warn that the storm’s core will sweep directly across Jamaica within hours, before continuing toward southeastern Cuba early Wednesday and the central or southeastern Bahamas later that day.
Officials have issued urgent warnings, calling this the “last chance to protect your life,” as Melissa’s winds, storm surge, and torrential rains are expected to cause catastrophic damage. The hurricane is projected to maintain its strength as it crosses the island, with widespread destruction likely across coastal communities and mountainous regions alike.
“Melissa remains an extremely dangerous and life-threatening hurricane,” forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said, noting that hurricane-force winds extend 30 miles (45 km) from the storm’s center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach as far as 195 miles (315 km) outward.
Early reports from Jamaica’s two main airports indicate rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston recorded sustained winds of 43 mph (69 km/h) and gusts up to 59 mph (93 km/h), while Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay reported sustained winds of 38 mph (61 km/h) and gusts of 54 mph (87 km/h).
As Melissa continues its northward path, officials urge all residents to remain indoors, move to higher ground if necessary, and follow evacuation orders from local officials.
The storm is expected to bring devastating wind damage, flash flooding, and dangerous storm surge across the island before moving on toward Cuba and the Bahamas on Wednesday.
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The post Hurricane Melissa slams into southern Jamaica with catastrophic winds appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, October 28, 2025. 8:48 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm packing catastrophic winds of up to 175 mph (280
The post Hurricane Melissa slams into southern Jamaica with catastrophic winds appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.