Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica's Most Powerful Storm in 174 Years Causes Catastrophic Damage

Oct 29, 2025 01:43 am CST

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds, made landfall in Jamaica as the strongest hurricane to hit the island in 174 years. The fifth most intense Atlantic basin hurricane on record brought catastrophic winds, flooding and landslides to Jamaica before heading toward Cuba, triggering mass evacuations throughout the Caribbean and leaving seven dead across the region.