Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa: Historic Category 4 Storm Devastates Jamaica, Threatens Cuba

Oct 29, 2025 02:34 pm CST

Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful cyclone ever to hit Jamaica, has devastated the island with 185 mph winds before weakening slightly to Category 4 status as it advances toward Cuba's second-largest city. The storm has left St. Elizabeth parish underwater, damaged critical infrastructure, and cut power to over 500,000 Jamaican residents, with Cuban authorities evacuating 500,000 people as they brace for significant impact. Scientists link the hurricane's unusual intensity to warming ocean temperatures, highlighting the growing climate crisis facing Caribbean nations.