Hurricane Melissa — major storm headed for Cuba after hitting Jamaica

In the heart of the Caribbean, where turquoise waters meet lush green landscapes, life has always revolved around the rhythm of the ocean. But in late October 2025, that rhythm turned violent. The tranquil Caribbean skies darkened as Hurricane Melissa—a Category 4 tropical cyclone—swept across the region, leaving a trail of destruction in Jamaica and now barreling toward Cuba. With sustained winds exceeding 140 mph (225 km/h) and rainfall totals reaching catastrophic levels, the storm has become one of the most powerful systems to hit the Caribbean in recent years.

The Birth of a Monster Storm

Meteorologists first detected Melissa as a tropical depression forming over the central Atlantic Ocean. Within days, warm sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions allowed it to rapidly intensify. By the time it neared the Lesser Antilles, Melissa had already strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane. Forecasters warned of potential rapid intensification—a phenomenon increasingly linked to climate change—and their predictions proved accurate. Within 48 hours, the storm had grown into a monstrous Category 4 hurricane, its spiral bands expanding hundreds of kilometers wide.

Satellite imagery showed the storm’s classic “eye” feature—calm at the center but surrounded by towering clouds and thunderous winds. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued urgent alerts to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and parts of eastern Cuba, warning that Melissa’s path could bring “life-threatening storm surges and catastrophic flooding.”

Jamaica Takes the First Hit

Jamaica was the first major landmass in Melissa’s path. On the morning of October 27, winds of over 140 mph tore through Kingston, Montego Bay, and other coastal towns. Roofs were ripped from homes, power lines toppled, and roads transformed into rivers. Reports from Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) confirmed that more than 200,000 residents were left without power as the hurricane’s outer bands drenched the island.

Emergency shelters quickly filled with families seeking refuge from the torrential rains. In Montego Bay, a local teacher described the ordeal: “The wind sounded like a roaring train. You could feel the house trembling. We just prayed it would pass.”

Agricultural damage was also severe. Jamaica’s vital banana and sugar industries suffered extensive losses, and hundreds of small farms were inundated by floodwaters. Tourism—another cornerstone of Jamaica’s economy—came to a standstill as airports and hotels shuttered operations. The government has since declared a state of emergency and appealed for international aid.

Cuba Prepares for Impact

Now, as the storm pushes northwest, Cuba braces for impact. Forecasts indicate that Hurricane Melissa will make landfall near Santiago de Cuba or Holguín, two of the country’s most densely populated provinces. Cuban authorities have already evacuated more than 300,000 residents from low-lying coastal areas.

Cuba’s National Civil Defense organization has issued warnings about potential 12-foot storm surges and landslides in mountainous regions. In Havana, residents are stocking up on essentials—water, batteries, and canned food—while officials prepare emergency shelters. “We’ve lived through hurricanes before,” said one Cuban official, “but Melissa’s power and speed make it different. This is a storm we must take very seriously.”

The Climate Connection

Meteorologists and climate scientists point to Hurricane Melissa as yet another example of how warming oceans are fueling stronger, faster-forming tropical cyclones. Over the past decade, the Caribbean has seen a noticeable increase in Category 4 and 5 hurricanes. Warmer sea surface temperatures provide the energy that drives such storms, while changing wind patterns can make them more erratic and difficult to predict.

Dr. Lila Ramirez, a climate researcher at the University of Puerto Rico, explains: “Rapid intensification events like Melissa’s are becoming more common. The oceans are absorbing excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, and that heat acts as fuel for storms. We’re seeing hurricanes that form faster, hit harder, and last longer.”

Regional and Global Response

International aid organizations are mobilizing to assist affected communities. The United Nations and Red Cross have launched emergency relief operations, sending food, medical supplies, and rescue teams to Jamaica and other impacted islands. The U.S. National Guard and several Caribbean nations have pledged support for search-and-rescue missions once conditions allow.

Meanwhile, social media platforms are flooded with images and videos capturing the storm’s fury—uprooted trees, flooded streets, and families huddled together in shelters. These visuals serve as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable coastal communities remain despite advances in forecasting and disaster preparedness.

Economic Fallout and Recovery

The economic toll of Hurricane Melissa could be staggering. Early estimates suggest that Jamaica alone may face damages exceeding $3 billion USD. In Cuba, the agricultural and tourism sectors are expected to suffer heavily, potentially affecting regional food supplies and trade. Recovery will take months, if not years, and will test the resilience of Caribbean economies already strained by inflation and global market volatility.

Experts also warn of potential public-health crises in the storm’s aftermath. Floodwaters can spread waterborne diseases like cholera and dengue fever, while disruptions in sanitation and clean-water access exacerbate the risk. Governments and international agencies are preparing vaccination campaigns and emergency medical responses to minimize such outbreaks.

A Call for Global Solidarity

As Hurricane Melissa continues its destructive path, the storm underscores the urgent need for coordinated global climate action. The Caribbean, despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, faces some of the harshest impacts of climate change. Policymakers are calling for increased funding for climate adaptation, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and early-warning systems.

In a press briefing, the Prime Minister of Jamaica emphasized, “This is not just a Caribbean problem—it’s a global one. The storms that form in our oceans are fueled by global warming, and the consequences reach far beyond our shores.”

Conclusion

Hurricane Melissa is more than just another weather event; it is a stark reminder of nature’s growing volatility in a warming world. From shattered homes in Jamaica to anxious families in Cuba awaiting landfall, the storm has united millions in fear, resilience, and hope. As the winds howl and waves crash, the people of the Caribbean once again demonstrate a timeless truth: even in the face of nature’s fury, the human spirit endures