Hurricane Melissa Jamaica Update: 185mph Winds Leave Towns Underwater and Thousands Stranded

Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic destruction across Jamaica, with 185mph winds tearing through the island, leaving entire towns submerged and more than half a million people without power. The Category 5 storm, the strongest in the world so far this year, devastated infrastructure, flooded Montego Bay Airport, and left thousands of tourists stranded as it now moves toward Cuba.

Officials confirmed that at least seven people have died — three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic — while hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes. Prime Minister Andrew Holness called the disaster “the storm of the century,” vowing that Jamaica “will rebuild stronger.”

Hurricane Melissa’s Path of Destruction Across Jamaica

Melissa made landfall near New Hope, around 39 miles south of Montego Bay, late Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 185mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm moved slowly across the island at about 3mph, intensifying from Category 4 to 5 in just 24 hours — one of the fastest escalations on record.

The impact was immediate and devastating. Saint Elizabeth parish, known as Jamaica’s “breadbasket,” was reported “underwater.” Government minister Desmond McKenzie said the area “took a beating,” with extensive damage to farmland and homes. Four hospitals were damaged, and at least one lost its roof. Trees were uprooted, bridges washed away, and roads across western Jamaica became impassable.

Footage from Montego Bay Airport showed collapsed ceilings, shattered glass, and uprooted seating areas. Over 8,000 British tourists are among those stranded after all airports were closed. “It was the worst experience ever,” said Kyle Holmes, a British traveler who barricaded his family inside their hotel room during the storm.

The NHC labeled Melissa one of the most powerful Atlantic landfalls in recorded history, behind only Hurricanes Wilma (2005) and Gilbert (1988). Meteorologists warned that the risk of flash flooding and landslides remains high as the storm moves toward Cuba and the Bahamas.

Waves whipped up in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approached (AP)

Government Response and International Aid

Jamaica’s government has mobilized emergency services and aims to reopen airports by Thursday to facilitate relief supplies. Shelters are operating at capacity as thousands seek refuge. The U.S. government is deploying disaster response teams and search-and-rescue personnel, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the Royal Navy and aid specialists are already positioned nearby to assist.

Adding to the crisis, Kingston’s environmental agency issued a rare crocodile warning, cautioning residents that the reptiles may have been swept from rivers into flooded urban areas. “Stay alert — crocodiles may appear in unexpected places,” officials said.

Scientific Context and Long-Term Impact

Experts from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) described Hurricane Melissa as “the storm of the century” for Jamaica. WMO specialist Anne-Claire Fontan said warming ocean temperatures are fueling faster and more intense hurricanes due to climate change. Caribbean leaders have renewed calls for climate reparations and debt relief, arguing that wealthier nations must help rebuild smaller island economies devastated by extreme weather.

According to NHC director Mike Brennan, “Even after Melissa passes, the post-storm environment will remain dangerous for days, if not weeks, with widespread trees, power lines, and infrastructure damage.”

As Hurricane Melissa moves toward eastern Cuba, where 500,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, forecasters warn the storm will continue to cause devastation before turning northeast toward Bermuda and the Bahamas later this week.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Where did Hurricane Melissa make landfall in Jamaica?

Melissa made landfall near New Hope, about 39 miles south of Montego Bay, with winds of 185mph.

Q2: How many people have been affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica?

Over half a million people are without power, and thousands are displaced or stranded due to flooding and infrastructure damage.

Q3: What are officials saying about Hurricane Melissa’s strength?

The U.S. National Hurricane Center called it one of the most powerful Atlantic landfalls ever recorded.

Q4: What warnings have been issued for residents after the storm?

Authorities have warned of crocodile sightings, contaminated water, and ongoing flood risks in low-lying areas.

Q5: Where is Hurricane Melissa heading next?

The storm is moving across eastern Cuba before turning northeast toward Bermuda and the Bahamas.