Jamaica braces for its most powerful hurricane in centuries

Jamaica is preparing for what could be not only the strongest storm of this year but possibly the most powerful hurricane in the island’s recorded history. U.S. meteorologists are warning of “catastrophic and deadly” conditions. Three people have already been reported dead.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching up to 175 mph (282 km/h), is expected to make landfall on the Caribbean island on Tuesday morning. In addition to the three deaths in Jamaica, four more fatalities have been reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Experts warn that the hurricane could bring prolonged heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of devastating floods and landslides.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa is the most powerful hurricane recorded in 2025, and if it maintains its current strength, it will be the strongest ever to hit Jamaica since 1851.