Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa — now a Category 4 storm — moves closer to the island’s coastline.
The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has issued warnings for widespread flooding, life-threatening winds, and storm surges as the hurricane approaches from the Atlantic Ocean.
According to ReliefWeb, Hurricane Melissa was located east of Jamaica on Sunday morning, 26 October 2025, with maximum sustained winds reaching 222 km/h (138 mph) and gusts up to 269 km/h (167 mph).
The storm is currently moving west at around 7 km/h (5 mph) and is expected to strengthen further before making landfall.
Meteorologists warn that its trajectory could shift, but current projections place the centre of the hurricane directly over Jamaica’s eastern coast early Monday morning (03:00 SAST) .
In the capital city, Kingston, residents are racing to secure their homes and businesses as emergency teams assist with last-minute preparations.
VINnews reported that volunteers have been helping to board up windows, clear debris, and reinforce structures in anticipation of the storm’s impact. Local authorities have urged residents in low-lying and coastal areas to evacuate immediately and to stock up on essential supplies including food, water, and medication.
“Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring life-threatening conditions,” said a spokesperson for Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).
“We are urging all citizens to take this warning seriously, stay indoors once the storm begins, and follow official updates closely.”
The Jamaican government has activated its National Emergency Operations Centre and opened shelters across the island. First responders, including police, firefighters, and medical teams, are on standby.
Airlines have cancelled flights in and out of Norman Manley International Airport, and ports have been closed until further notice.
The storm’s strength has drawn comparisons to Hurricane Gilbert, which devastated Jamaica in 1988.
Weather experts say Melissa’s sustained wind speeds and slow movement make it especially dangerous, as it could dump heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and landslides.
Coastal regions such as Port Royal, Morant Bay, and Ocho Rios are expected to experience the worst of the damage.
Robert Ray, a correspondent for Fox Weather reporting from Kingston, described the situation as tense but orderly. “The people of Kingston are coming together, but the clock is ticking,” he said.
“You can feel the urgency — everyone knows how serious this storm could be.”
The National Hurricane Centre forecasts that after passing Jamaica, Melissa will continue northwest toward Cuba and the Cayman Islands, maintaining its intensity for at least another 36 hours.
Regional governments have begun coordinating relief efforts in advance of possible destruction.
