Sun | Oct 26, 2025

Hurricane Melissa slows slightly as Jamaica braces for direct hit

Published:Sunday | October 26, 2025 | 11:31 AM
The cone from the National Hurricane Centre contains the probable path of Hurricane Melissa's centre at 10 a.m. on October 26, 2025. It does not show the size of the storm. Hazardous conditions can occur outside of the cone.
The cone from the National Hurricane Centre contains the probable path of Hurricane Melissa's centre at 10 a.m. on October 26, 2025. It does not show the size of the storm. Hazardous conditions can occur outside of the cone.

Hurricane Melissa has slowed its crawl south of Jamaica, heightening fears of prolonged and dangerous weather conditions as the powerful Category 4 system edges closer to the island.

At 10 a.m. the Meteorological Service reported that the hurricane was moving at about 6 kilometres per hour (3 mph) - down from 7 km/h (5 mph) earlier this morning. Its centre is about 174 kilometres south-southwest of Morant Point and 190 kilometres south of Kingston.

Melissa is forecast to continue moving slowly westward today before turning north and northeast on Monday and Tuesday. On this track, the centre is expected to move closer to and over Jamaica through Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 220 kilometres per hour (140 mph) with higher gusts, keeping Melissa a powerful Category 4 hurricane. Further strengthening is possible through tonight, followed by fluctuations in intensity before landfall.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 kilometres from the centre, while tropical-storm-force winds reach as far as 280 kilometres outward.

The Met Service has warned of rainfall totals between 350 and 700 millimetres (15–30 inches) over the next few days, particularly across eastern and hilly areas, where life-threatening flash floods and landslides are likely.

Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to spread from southeastern parishes this morning to the northwest by tonight, with hurricane conditions anticipated by Monday.

A storm surge of 9 to 13 feet, accompanied by large and destructive waves, could impact the south coast late Monday through Tuesday morning, particularly near and east of the landfall area.

Small craft operators and fishers on the cays and banks have been strongly advised to remain in safe harbour until all warnings are lifted and sea conditions return to normal.

The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the system closely, with the next bulletin scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

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