Hurricanes and tropical storms

Caribbean Braces for Hurricane Melissa as It Strengthens to Category 5

Published OCT 27 2025

Story

Above: Hurricane Melissa over the Caribbean Sea, pictured on Oct. 26, 2025. Image credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Getty Images

The Facts

Inhabitants of Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean are bracing for Hurricane Melissa after it was upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane by the U.S.-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) on Monday.
Fox Weather
BBC News
The latest update from the NHC on Monday said, "Melissa is expected to move near or over Jamaica tonight and Tuesday, across southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and across the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday."
National Hurricane Center
It added that the hurricane has reached sustained speeds of 160 mph (257 kph), but warned that speeds could be 30% higher at windward-facing sides of hills and mountains.
National Hurricane Center
When it makes landfall in Jamaica, "a life-threatening storm surge is likely," the NHC further said, stating that sea levels are estimated to reach between nine and 13 feet above ground level. Rainfall between 15 and 30 inches is also forecast. "Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely."
National Hurricane Center
Jamaican officials said 881 shelters had been opened, and they issued mandatory evacuations in a number of locations — urging members of the public to take the warnings seriously. "Many of these communities will not survive this flooding," Desmond McKenzie, minister of local government, said.
guardian
NBC
Al Jazeera
The hurricane has already brought heavy rain and flooding to the island of Hispaniola, claiming at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.
NBC
BBC News

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

The government of Jamaica has done all it can to make sure it is prepared for this hurricane with sound preparedness measures. However, inhabitants of the island need to take these warnings seriously and ensure they're evacuated to shelters or other safe places.

Al Jazeera

Pearnel P. Charles Jr on X

Narrative B

Most residents would rather stay put than go to government-run shelters. In previous storms, these shelters had issues regarding assault, and many people woke up to find that their belongings had been stolen from them. Jamaica's preparedness is hindered by these systemic issues, which can be found throughout the region.

guardian