By NAN Staff Writer
News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mon. Oct. 27, 2025: The effects of Hurricane Melissa are already being felt in Jamaica as the Category 5 storm approaches the island with catastrophic force. Waves at Kingston Harbour were already surging Monday afternoon as residents scrambled for shelter ahead of what could be the island’s most violent weather event on record.
A man watches the waves crash into the walls at the Kingston Waterfront on October 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island’s most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. (Photo by Ricardo Makyn / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)
With maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (280 km/h) and higher gusts, Melissa is expected to make landfall late tonight into early Tuesday, bringing life-threatening storm surge, flooding, and destructive winds.
Relief Organizations Mobilize Before Landfall
Several international relief organizations have already moved into position to help Jamaica respond once the storm passes.
Waves crash onto the beach in Kingston on October 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island’s most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. (Photo by Ricardo Makyn / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)
The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer disaster response group, confirmed that its advance team is already in Jamaica and sheltering in place as the storm closes in. The organization says it stands ready to assist with search, rescue, and logistics support immediately after landfall.
Meanwhile, World Central Kitchen (WCK) — founded by Chef José Andrés — announced it will deploy teams to Jamaica this week to assist with emergency food relief. In a call to action shared on Instagram, the group asked chefs and cooks to join as part of its humanitarian effort. WCK said it expects to begin food distribution operations by Wednesday once conditions allow.
Faith-based organization Samaritan’s Purse also said it is preparing to respond with disaster relief specialists, supplies, and aircraft on standby. “We can help meet urgent needs related to shelter, water, hygiene, food, and medical issues,” the organization said in a statement. “This includes the ability to deploy our Mobile Emergency Hospital if required.”
Storm Already Deadly
This Handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images’ editorial policy.) In this handout satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Melissa churns northwest through the Caribbean Sea captured at 17:18Z on October 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 storm as it approaches Jamaica, according to the National Hurricane Center. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)
Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where torrential rains caused flash flooding and landslides over the weekend. Forecasters warn that Jamaica could face 15 to 30 inches of rainfall, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 40 inches — rainfall totals “never seen before,” according to Jamaica’s Minister of Information, Dana Morris Dixon.
Current Watches and Warnings
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the following warnings remain in effect:
- Hurricane Warning: Jamaica; Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin
- Hurricane Watch: Southeastern and Central Bahamas; Turks and Caicos Islands
- Tropical Storm Warning: Haiti; Cuban province of Las Tunas
Forecasters say catastrophic hurricane-force winds are expected to begin in Jamaica tonight, with the potential for total structural failure in areas near the eyewall, particularly in elevated regions.
Prime Minister Holness Outlines Recovery Framework
A fallen Jamaica Public Service Company light pole is seen on the Sugar Man’s beach main road in Hellshire, St Catherine parish, near Portmore, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on October 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa, already a major category 4 storm, gathered steam Sunday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. (Photo by Ricardo Makyn / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)
In a national address, Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness assured citizens that the government has activated a multi-layered disaster response plan. This includes the National Natural Disaster Risk Fund, Contingency Fund, and insurance mechanisms to ensure swift relief and rebuilding.
The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), National Works Agency (NWA), and National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) have been mobilized to reopen roads, restore utilities, and provide humanitarian assistance once the storm clears.
Holness also urged citizens to remain calm, obey curfews, and “prepare for the worst but pray for the best.”
Forecast Path
At 2:00 PM EDT, Melissa was located near 16.5°N, 78.3°W, about 145 miles southwest of Kingston, moving west-northwest at 3 mph. The storm is forecast to turn north later today, crossing Jamaica overnight before tracking over southeastern Cuba and the Bahamas midweek.
Forecasters warn of storm surges up to 13 feet, waves capable of coastal destruction, and winds exceeding 170 mph capable of widespread infrastructure damage and power outages.
