Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm on record to hit Jamaica, resulting in at least four deaths and widespread devastation https://t.co/IT1gEYRqah pic.twitter.com/JcYRuGbIvG
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 30, 2025
Hurricane Melissa hits Cuba hours after devastating Jamaica
Summary:
Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms ever recorded to hit Jamaica, slammed into eastern Cuba as a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, hours after causing catastrophic damage in neighboring Jamaica.
* Impact on Jamaica: Melissa initially made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, as a devastating Category 5 storm with sustained winds of up to 185 mph (295 kph), making it the strongest storm on record for the island nation. The storm left widespread destruction, turning the entire country into a "disaster area." Areas like St. Elizabeth were reported to be "underwater," with massive flooding, more than 500,000 residents losing power, and roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. At least three deaths in Jamaica were reported during storm preparations, and the death toll across the region (including Haiti) was rising.
* Impact on Cuba: After passing Jamaica, Melissa weakened to a dangerous Category 3 storm and struck the southern coast of eastern Cuba near Guama with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph). Cuban authorities reported "extensive damage," including collapsed houses and blocked mountain roads, especially in the region of Santiago de Cuba, the island's second-largest city. Approximately 735,000 people were evacuated in eastern Cuba to minimize casualties.
* Wider Context: Scientists note that the rapid intensification of Hurricane Melissa is likely a symptom of the warming ocean waters, which is part of the human-driven climate crisis. The storm's path was forecasted to move toward the Bahamas next.
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