As the Atlantic hurricane season barrels toward its November finale, Tropical Storm Melissa has rapidly intensified and now threatens to unleash catastrophic impacts on Jamaica and neighboring islands. Forecasters warn that Melissa is on the verge of becoming a hurricane, with the potential to reach major hurricane status within hours—a development that has emergency officials and residents on high alert.
Storm Intensifies: "Virtually a Hurricane"
According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC),
Melissa's maximum sustained winds have surged to 70 mph, just shy of hurricane strength (74 mph). The storm's central pressure has dropped to 982 millibars, a sign of rapid strengthening. NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome described the system as "virtually a hurricane, on the cusp of becoming a hurricane," and warned that it is likely to reach major hurricane status—Category 3 or higher—by tonight or tomorrow.
Melissa is currently crawling west-northwest at just 1 mph, a sluggish pace that increases the risk of prolonged, severe impacts for areas in its path. Satellite imagery shows a large, well-organized system with impacts extending far from the center, meaning residents should not focus solely on the storm's eye.
Jamaica Braces for Catastrophic Flooding
The slow-moving nature of Melissa is especially concerning for
Jamaica, which is expected to feel the storm's effects for the next two to three days—even before the closest approach or potential landfall. The NHC warns of:
-
Widespread power outages-
Disrupted communications-
Impassable roads due to mudslides and flooding-
Cut-off communitiesRhome emphasized the seriousness of the situation:
"You're really looking at probably widespread power outages and disruption of communication for Jamaica. The inability to move around, talking about mudslides and flooding, impassable roads, cut off communities, really a very, very concerning situation unfolding here in Jamaica."Path Forward: Cuba and the Bahamas Next
After impacting Jamaica, Melissa is forecast to move over or near
eastern Cuba on Wednesday, then threaten the
southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos later in the week. The storm is expected to remain a powerful hurricane as it tracks through the region, with residents in these areas urged to begin preparations immediately.
Uncertainty Remains, But Risks Are High
Meteorologists caution that the storm's slow movement and ongoing battle with upper-level wind shear make its exact path difficult to predict. However, the general consensus is that the greatest impacts will be felt from
Haiti to Jamaica, with the potential for catastrophic flooding and dangerous winds.
What You Need to Know
-
Melissa is expected to become a major hurricane imminently-
Jamaica faces the highest risk of catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage-
Eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos should prepare for hurricane conditions-
Stay informed via official channels like hurricanes.gov and local authoritiesTake Action Now
If you have friends or family in Jamaica or the surrounding region, urge them to monitor official updates and take all necessary precautions. The next 48 hours will be critical as Melissa's full force is felt across the Caribbean.
Sources
1. Update on Tropical Storm Melissa from the NHC in Miami ... - YouTube
2. Today NBC October 23, 2025 7:00am-9:00am PDT - Internet Archive
3. Brain scans used to detect paedophilia ...... - Gay Jamaica Watch
4. Protection for gays promised in Bermuda .... Sexual Orientation ...
5. Good Morning America : KGO : October 23, 2025 7:00am-9:00am PDT
