Hurricane Melissa strengthens as it barrels towards Jamaica

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete October 26, 2025 at 11:28 AM

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Hurricane Melissa, currently with winds up to 120 mph, is projected to intensify into a rare category five storm as it approaches Jamaica, expected to make landfall by Tuesday. The US National Hurricane Center warns of catastrophic impacts including flash flooding, landslides, and sea level surges up to 4 meters above ground. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents to prepare urgently by securing homes and stocking essentials. Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba. The hurricane has already caused two deaths due to landslides in Haiti. By Wednesday, Melissa is forecast to weaken to a category three storm as it passes over Cuba before moving into the Atlantic.

Key Topics & Entities

eastern Cuba 35% Port au Prince 35% Haiti 40% Dominican Republic 40% Kingston 50% Caribbean ×260% Andrew Holness 70% US National Hurricane Center (NHC) ×280% Jamaica ×590% Hurricane Melissa ×8100%

Keywords

hurricane melissa 100% jamaica 90% category five storm 80% flash flooding 70% landslides 70% us national hurricane center (nhc) 60% climate change 50% preparations 40% tropical storm-strength winds 40% damaging winds and heavy rainfall 40%