A monster hurricane is bearing down on the Caribbean with warnings that it could be the “worst storm” in Jamaica’s history and lives could be lost.
So powerful is Hurricane Melissa that it has been judged the strongest storm, anywhere on the planet, so far in 2025.
One forecaster described the situation as “dire”.
Melissa has strengthened to a category 5 hurricane, the fiercest possible, which means winds of 252km/h or higher and the almost certainty of “catastrophic damage”.
But Melissa’s winds speeds have already streaked right past that lower bar with 280km/h gusts recorded putting it on a par with Hurricane Katrina which inundated New Orleans in 2005. Only nine hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean have ever recorded stronger winds than Melissa.
A category 5 storm is stronger than Cyclone Tracy, which devastated Darwin in 1974, and is the same strength as Cyclone Yasi in 2011.
The Australian government’s travel advice agency, Smartraveller, has urged Aussies in Jamaica to check media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.
“Transport, including airport closures and flight cancellations, along with essential services, are being impacted. If you’re travelling, contact your airline or travel provider for updates,” Smartraveller warned.
It added that Hurricane Melissa is expected to impact Cuba, Haiti, Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The US’ National Hurricane Center issued a warning on Monday night (2pm on Tuesday AEDT) for Jamaica that “total structural failure” is possible.
“Remain in your safe shelter. Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are expected through Tuesday,” it said.
“The eyewall’s destructive winds may cause total structural failure, particularly in higher elevations, leading to widespread infrastructural damage, prolonged power and communication outages, and isolated communities.
“Along the southern coast, life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are anticipated through Tuesday. Failure to take immediate action may result in serious injury or significant loss of life.”
A US “Hurricane Hunter” P-3 aircraft that flew within the storm turned back with the crew commenting on the violence and turbulence in the eye wall.
Meteorologist Andy Hazelton, who was on the flight, told CNN the plane hit large updrafts and backdrafts while flying through the hurricane’s south western wall.
He added it was “the most turbulent hurricane I’ve ever been in”.
‘Worst storm ever experienced’ for Jamaica
According to the US National Hurricane Centre, as of 2pm eastern US time on Monday (5am, Tuesday AEST), Melissa was moving slowly west north west ward, sitting to the south of Jamaica. It is expected to turn north which could see it slam right into Jamaica, engulfing much of the island, from early on Tuesday morning.
More than 100cm of rain could bucket down with 4 metre storm surges.
“The forecast is as dire as it gets,” said hurricane specialist for the US’ ABC network in Miami Michael Lowry.
“Preparations to protect life and property across the island should be rushed to completion.
“Melissa threatens to be the worst Jamaica’s ever experienced”
Remarking on satellite data streaming in on Melissa’s strength Mr Lowry commented: “we’re witnessing satellite history in the Atlantic”.
AccuWeather’s Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter remarked that people either “riding out” the storm or simply unable to get out of its way “will face great peril”.
“An extremely urgent humanitarian crisis may follow. The devastation from the electricity infrastructure alone may take months to repair.
Landfall on Tuesday, local time
Landfall is expected on Tuesday morning in Jamaica’s west around 100km from the capital Kingston. But large areas of Jamaica – population 2.8 million – could be affected.
It is then expected to head towards south western Cuba.
Melissa has already claimed at least three lives. Those were in the Dominican Republic when it lashed the island of Hispaniola last week.
But the hurricane’s increased strength and snail like pace has upped its intensity and could wreak havoc on Jamaica, endangering lives.
‘Evacuation is not a suggestion’
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued evacuation orders for low lying areas in Jamaica’s south west encompassing parts of the parishes of Clarendon, St Catherine, St Andrew and Kingston.
All the island nation’s airports and schools have been closed and bus services have stopped.
It’s thought at least 50,000 Jamaicans could be displaced by Melissa.
On Monday local time, Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles said “an evacuation order is not a suggestion, it is a directive, and a directive to save your life”.
The US has moved eight warshipa from Caribbean waters in the path of Melissa. While the country’s Guantanamo Bay naval station in Cuba has seen around a quarter of its population – around 1000 people – evacuated.
