Hurricane Melissa, which intensified to a Category 5 storm, has caused at least 32 fatalities and extensive damage across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, before continuing its path toward the Bahamas and Bermuda. The hurricane brought peak sustained winds of 298 km/h (185 mph), leading to widespread power outages, significant flooding, and destruction of infrastructure and homes in affected areas. Recovery efforts are anticipated to span several months.
Storm Progression and Characteristics
Hurricane Melissa was upgraded to a Category 5 storm early on Monday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported its location at 09:00 GMT on Monday as approximately 130 miles (209 km) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 160 mph (260 km/h). Forecasters indicated potential for further strengthening. The NHC forecast track projected the storm's core to move near or over Jamaica on Monday night and Tuesday, then across southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night, and the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. The storm's slow movement was noted as a factor contributing to expected rainfall, with forecasts suggesting up to 40 inches (100 cm) in parts of Jamaica over four days.
The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon, reaching Category 5 strength with peak sustained winds of 298 km/h (185 mph). Meteorologists attributed the storm's rapid intensification to abnormally warm Caribbean waters. After impacting Jamaica, Melissa weakened to a Category 2 storm as it moved through Haiti, then strengthened to a Category 3 storm with 115 mph winds as it moved through Cuba's southeast. By Wednesday night, the storm was located 105 miles (170 km) from the central Bahamas, moving northeast with wind speeds of 100 mph (155 km/h). A dangerous storm surge was anticipated in the Bahamas, with a tropical storm warning issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The storm's forward speed was expected to increase in the following days. By Thursday, Melissa was downgraded to a Category 1 storm, with the NHC reporting sustained winds of 165 km/h (102 mph) at 09:00 GMT, and it was expected to make landfall in Bermuda.
Impact in Jamaica
Preparations and Landfall
Prior to landfall, the Jamaican government issued evacuation orders for parts of the capital, Kingston, and designated the entire island as "threatened." Prime Minister Andrew Holness ordered evacuations for several communities, advising residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to seek shelter. All 881 shelters on the island were opened. Residents in Kingston were observed preparing with sandbags, and large waves were reported on the coast on Saturday, with a storm surge expected on Monday and Tuesday. Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Tuesday afternoon. Prime Minister Andrew Holness characterized the port town of Black River on the southwest coast as "ground zero" for damage.
Initial Damage and Disruptions
Upon arrival, coastal areas experienced wind and rain, leading to initial reports of power outages affecting one-third of the island. Following the hurricane's passage, approximately three-quarters of Jamaica experienced power outages, and communication networks were impacted. Prime Minister Holness declared the island a "disaster area" late Tuesday, citing "significant damage" to hospitals, homes, and businesses.
Flooding and Infrastructure Damage
The hurricane caused extensive flooding across the island, with some areas experiencing floodwaters rising to the roofs of two-storey homes. Montego Bay, a major tourism hub, was described by Mayor Richard Vernon as "split in two" by floodwaters, rendering some roads impassable. The southwestern parish of St Elizabeth, described as "under water" by Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, saw towns like Black River cut off by knee-deep mud and washed-out bridges. Homes across the island sustained damage, including roofs being torn off concrete structures. Winds were strong enough to uproot trees and snap power poles. Hospitals, libraries, police stations, and port houses were among the damaged urban infrastructure.
Human Impact and Fatalities
Initially, no fatalities were confirmed, but officials expressed concern about potential loss of life. Subsequent reports confirmed five individuals deceased in Jamaica, including three men and one woman discovered after being washed up by floodwaters. Rescue teams in St Elizabeth faced difficulties reaching trapped individuals due to hazardous conditions. A 73-year-old vegetable farmer in Carlisle, St Elizabeth, reported her home's zinc roof was ripped off. Health officials issued a crocodile warning, noting that floodwaters could displace reptiles into residential areas.
Economic and Agricultural Impact
The parish of St Elizabeth, a significant agricultural region, experienced widespread crop submergence and field destruction, which is anticipated to have a financial impact on farmers. Montego Bay's tourism infrastructure also sustained considerable damage. Cleanup operations are projected to take several months, and the overall economic implications for the island are expected to be substantial.
Impact in Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic)
Prior to reaching Jamaica, heavy rains associated with Hurricane Melissa caused flooding in neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. The storm was linked to four fatalities on the island of Hispaniola. Later reports confirmed at least 20 deaths in Haiti due to flooding.
Impact in Cuba
As Hurricane Melissa moved through Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, was significantly affected. Residents were observed clearing debris from streets. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel reported "considerable damage" but did not provide a specific casualty figure for the country. President Díaz-Canel also noted the country's preparedness efforts for potential worst-case scenarios.
Impact in The Bahamas
A dangerous storm surge was anticipated in the Bahamas. Approximately 1,500 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas in an operation described by officials as one of the largest in Bahamian history. While some parts of the archipelago experienced flooding, hurricane warnings for the central and southern islands, along with the Turks and Caicos, were later lifted. The Ministry of Tourism stated that most of the country, including Nassau, Freeport, Eleuthera, and the Abacos, remained largely unaffected and open to visitors. Leon Lundy, the Minister of State for Disaster Risk Management, advised residents to remain vigilant.
Overall Regional Impact and Fatalities
Initial reports indicated at least 25 confirmed deaths across the Caribbean. The total reported fatalities linked to Hurricane Melissa reached 32 across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. In response to the damage, King Charles expressed concern and sadness regarding the impact in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean. Recovery efforts for the extensive infrastructure destruction and power outages are expected to take several months across the affected region.