Nov. 5 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor
Hurricane Melissa is one of the most powerful hurricanes that has occurred in the Atlantic Ocean to this day, having ripped through the Northern Caribbean and leaving thousands of people without power and homes. When the hurricane reached Jamaica Oct. 28, it was reported as a Category 5 hurricane with wind speeds up to 185 mph. A Category 5 hurricane is the highest level classification for hurricanes and means the storm has winds at 157 mph or higher and is accompanied by catastrophic damage.
On Oct. 30, the hurricane reached Jamaica and caused major destruction, affecting residents and even taking lives. Many residents were left without a house after the storm, and many lost personal belongings due to waterlogging. The storm also wiped out roads and bridges, making it harder for Jamaican residents to get assistance after the storm hit. Eventually, helicopters flew in to distribute food, water, medicine and other necessary supplies. During the aftermath, search and rescue teams found at least 19 dead, and more than 13,000 people remain in crowded shelters because they lost their homes. Seventy-two percent of the entire island was left without power.
Similar damage occurred in Cuba, but the Cuban Civil Defense was able to evacuate 735,000 people before the storm hit.
Haiti was also badly impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with at least 30 deaths occurring and 20 residents reported missing. Port-au-Prince, the capital, faced some of the worst damage. Hurricane Melissa brought heavy rain storms, flooding a vast majority of the area and rendering homes inaccessible. Residents slowly started to return home Oct. 30. The hurricane destroyed homes and ripped apart families, as children were reported killed. More than 15,000 people were staying in shelters during the aftermath. In Haiti and Cuba, the tremendous amount of rain and flooding left communities with hundreds of residents completely isolated with no way to contact anyone for help.
Hurricane Melissa caused at least 50 deaths throughout Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, but this number is expected to rise as experts continue to search the islands for those reported missing. After these devastating events, Hurricane Melissa moved away from Bermuda the morning of Oct. 31 as it died down to a Category 1 hurricane. By 11 a.m., the storm grew smaller and was classified as a powerful post-tropical cyclone with winds around 85 mph, traveling to the northeast. As the storm continued in this direction, the northeast U.S. coast and parts of Canada were expected to be impacted by the storm, primarily through large rain storms. While it will most likely not bring the same damage to land as it did in the areas above, the storm will still create harsh conditions in the ocean near the shore.
Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu
