Jamaica has been hit by one of the strongest storms in recent history as Melissa Hurricane made landfall with wind speeds touching nearly 295 km/h. The Category 5 hurricane smashed into the island on Tuesday night, tearing off roofs, flooding major roads, uprooting trees, and damaging hundreds of houses.
According to the United Nations, this is one of the most powerful hurricanes of the century, creating widespread destruction across the Caribbean.
Before reaching Jamaica, Melissa Hurricane had already brought chaos to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The powerful storm is now moving toward Cuba, where authorities have evacuated more than 600,000 residents, while over 28,000 people in Jamaica have also been relocated for safety. As the hurricane moves further, its wind speed has reduced to around 215 km/h, lowering it to Category 4, but experts warn that the danger is still far from over.
Footage from inside the eye of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa pic.twitter.com/tXeEjifwwn
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 28, 2025
UN Declares Melissa Hurricane the Strongest Storm of the Century
Jamaica witnessed intense flooding as heavy rain poured across the island. Strong winds ripped apart houses, destroyed coastal structures, and sent massive waves crashing into low-lying areas.
Emergency response teams reported widespread power outages, damaged communication networks, and blocked highways across several regions.
Local authorities said that although the storm has weakened slightly, the rainfall remains extremely dangerous. Rescue operations continue as damaged houses and washed-out roads make certain areas inaccessible.
Hurricane Hunters Capture Rare Video Inside Melissa Hurricane
The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing Hurricane Hunters released a dramatic video showing the eye of Melissa Hurricane.
The footage, recorded on Sunday as the storm was approaching Jamaica, shows the massive spiral of clouds and the violent air currents inside the storm system. Experts say the video highlights the extraordinary intensity of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season.
Rapid Intensification: Melissa Hurricane Grew Stronger Within 24 Hours
Meteorologists confirmed that Melissa Hurricane intensified at a record pace.
- On Saturday, its wind speed was around 120 km/h.
- Within 24 hours, by Sunday night, winds reached 225 km/h.
- By Monday night, Melissa Hurricane had strengthened to 260 km/h, officially becoming a Category 5 storm.
Category 5 hurricanes are considered the most dangerous storms on Earth, with winds exceeding 252 km/h (157 mph).
Such storms have the power to damage even reinforced concrete buildings, uproot massive trees, and destroy power and communication lines completely. Coastal areas can witness towering storm surges that push seawater several meters high, leading to extreme flooding.
So far, the year 2025 has already recorded four Category 5 hurricanes, making it one of the most active and alarming hurricane seasons in decades.
Warmer Oceans Made Melissa Hurricane Even Stronger
Climate Central scientists reported that the ocean water over which Melissa Hurricane traveled was about 1.4°C warmer than normal, mainly due to human-caused global warming and pollution.
Warmer oceans provide more moisture and energy to forming storms, causing them to intensify rapidly.
According to climate experts, hurricanes like Melissa can now produce 25% to 50% more rainfall than storms of previous decades. This explains the unusually heavy rainfall and prolonged flooding observed in Jamaica and Haiti.
How Melissa Hurricane Formed: Warm Winds from West Africa
Melissa Hurricane is the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
It originated in early October from a tropical wave — a warm, moist air disturbance — off the coast of West Africa. As it moved across the Atlantic Ocean, the storm gradually strengthened, gathering moisture and warm air until it developed into a major hurricane.
The name “Melissa” comes from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) list of rotating storm names used every six years.
The name was previously used in 2019 for a weaker storm, so it was not retired at that time.
However, if Melissa Hurricane in 2025 causes significant destruction, the name may be permanently removed from future lists.
Storm names are selected based on clarity, ease of pronunciation, and easy identification, especially during emergency alerts.
Typhoon, Hurricane, and Tornado — What’s the Difference?
The destruction caused by Melissa Hurricane has once again sparked global discussions about storm terminology. Though many people use terms like typhoon, hurricane, cyclone, and tornado interchangeably, they are not all the same.
Hurricanes, Cyclones, and Typhoons Are the Same Phenomenon
They are simply named differently based on the region:
- Hurricanes — Atlantic Ocean & Northeast Pacific
- Typhoons — Northwest Pacific (Japan, China, Philippines)
- Cyclones — Indian Ocean, South Pacific, Australia
Tornadoes Are Different
Tornadoes are also violent windstorms, but they usually form over land, not over oceans.
They are smaller in size but extremely intense. The United States experiences the highest number of tornadoes every year.
Because the Indian Ocean lies south of India, storms forming near the country are called cyclones, not hurricanes or typhoons.
Impact on the Caribbean and What Comes Next
Melissa Hurricane has caused severe destruction across the Caribbean. With Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and now Jamaica facing widespread flooding and structural damage, the threat for Cuba is rising rapidly.
Evacuations are underway, emergency shelters have been set up, and disaster response teams are working around the clock.
Meteorologists warn that even though Melissa has weakened slightly, its heavy rainfall, storm surges, and strong winds remain extremely dangerous.
Cuba is preparing for extensive coastal flooding, strong wave activity, and potential landslides in mountainous regions.
Authorities across the region have urged residents to stay indoors, follow official guidelines, and avoid flooded or damaged roads.
Conclusion
Melissa Hurricane has emerged as one of the most powerful and destructive storms of the 21st century.
From record-breaking wind speeds to rapid intensification driven by warming oceans, the storm reflects the new reality of a changing climate. As the Caribbean braces for further impacts, global experts say Melissa Hurricane should serve as a warning — stronger, wetter, and faster-forming storms are becoming the new normal.
