Kingston, Jamaica – Hurricane Melissa, now confirmed as a Category 5 storm, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope Tuesday afternoon with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Forecasters describe Melissa as one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, with a minimum central pressure of 892 millibars (26.34 inches)—a benchmark placing it among the most intense tropical cyclones in history.
The NHC warns of an “extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation” across the island, urging residents to shelter in place as the storm’s eyewall moves through. Winds are expected to shift rapidly as the eye passes, bringing catastrophic damage potential to structures, power grids, and coastal areas.
As of 1 p.m. EDT, Melissa was located about 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Negril, Jamaica, moving north-northeast at 9 mph. The storm’s expansive wind field and intense rainfall bands are already impacting much of western and central Jamaica, with hurricane-force winds expected to persist for several hours.
Residents are advised to avoid all travel, remain indoors, and use interior rooms without windows. Forecasters also warn of dangerous storm surge, flash flooding, and landslides in mountainous areas.
Further updates will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 UTC).
