Hurricane Melissa was a catastrophic Category 5 storm that devastated parts of the Caribbean in late October 2025. Fueled

Hurricane Melissa was a catastrophic Category 5 storm that devastated parts of the Caribbean in late October 2025. Fueled by unusually warm ocean waters, the hurricane rapidly intensified into one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. 

Hurricane timeline and path

Initial formation: First monitored on October 16 as a tropical wave that had moved off the coast of West Africa.

Rapid intensification: By October 25, Melissa was designated a hurricane and rapidly strengthened over the extremely warm waters of the Caribbean.

Jamaica landfall: On October 28, Melissa struck Jamaica's southern coast as an "extremely dangerous" Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, tying the record for the strongest Atlantic hurricane to make landfall.

Cuba landfall: After crossing Jamaica's terrain and weakening slightly, it made a second landfall in eastern Cuba as a powerful Category 3 storm on October 29.

Threat to Bahamas and Bermuda: After exiting Cuba, Melissa weakened but continued on a path that threatened the Bahamas and Bermuda. 

Devastating impacts

Jamaica: The country was declared a disaster area by the Prime Minister.

Extensive damage: The slow-moving storm caused "unprecedented devastation" to infrastructure, with many communities cut off by flooding and blocked roads.

Massive rainfall: Some areas received more than 40 inches of rain, triggering life-threatening flash floods and landslides.

Power outages: The storm knocked out power to a substantial part of the country, affecting more than 500,000 people.

Haiti and Dominican Republic: Heavy rains from the outer bands caused severe flooding and landslides in parts of Hispaniola, resulting in multiple deaths and displacements.

Cuba: Melissa caused "considerable damage" in eastern provinces, with widespread flooding, collapsed homes, and power shutdowns affecting hundreds of thousands.

Casualties: The storm is responsible for dozens of confirmed deaths across the affected Caribbean nations. 

Long-term concerns

Climate change factor: Experts note that Hurricane Melissa's rapid intensification and heavy rainfall are characteristics of a changing climate. Unusually high ocean temperatures fueled its intensity and slow movement.

Aid and recovery: Immediate humanitarian aid was deployed by international organizations and foreign governments. Long-term recovery for the heavily impacted nations will require significant resources and support.