A US Air Force Reserve crew collected data from Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm with recorded wind speeds of 175 mph (282 km/h). The hurricane is forecast to make landfall in Jamaica before proceeding towards Cuba and the Bahamas.
Data Collection Efforts
On Monday, a US Air Force Reserve crew, identified as "Hurricane Hunters," conducted a flight through the eye of Hurricane Melissa. The purpose of this mission was to gather data for the National Hurricane Center.
Storm Classification and Intensity
Hurricane Melissa has been classified as a Category Five storm, exhibiting wind speeds recorded at up to 175 mph (282 km/h). It has been identified as the strongest storm globally in 2025.
Projected Trajectory
Forecasts indicate that Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday. Following its passage over Jamaica, the storm's projected path includes eastern Cuba and the Bahamas.