Hurricane Melissa Batters Jamaica: Widespread Flooding and Power Outages Reported

Kingston, Jamaica – October 29, 2025

Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica yesterday, October 28, continuing into the early hours of October 29, leaving a trail of destruction marked by heavy rainfall, flooding, and widespread power outages across several parishes.

The Category 5 hurricane, which packed winds of up to 185 miles per hour, made landfall on the island’s southern coast at Black River, St Elizabeth near Clarendon late Monday afternoon before moving northwest across Manchester, St. Catherine, and St. Ann. The system brought torrential rains and gusty winds that uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and blocked major roadways with debris.

Preliminary reports from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) indicate that several communities were cut off overnight due to flooding and landslides. Emergency shelters were opened in all parishes, with over 2,000 residents seeking refuge as floodwaters rose in low-lying areas.

Electricity provider JPS has confirmed that thousands of households remain without power as crews work to restore service. Telecommunications have also been disrupted in parts of the island, though efforts are underway to restore connectivity.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation early this morning, assuring citizens that assessment and recovery efforts have already begun. “Our first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of every Jamaican,” he said. “We are mobilizing all resources to bring relief and to begin the process of rebuilding where damage has occurred.”

Coastal areas such as Portmore, Old Harbour Bay, and sections of Montego Bay experienced severe storm surges, with some residents reporting up to four feet of water entering homes. Fishermen along the south coast were also urged to remain on land as rough seas continued through Tuesday morning.

Meteorologists report that Hurricane Melissa has now weakened to a Category 1 storm as it moves westward toward the Cayman Islands, but heavy rain bands continue to affect Jamaica. A flash flood warning remains in effect for several parishes, and authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid flooded roadways.

As the nation begins to assess the full impact of the storm, the government has pledged to provide updates later today following an emergency meeting of the National Disaster Response Committee.