Recent reports from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) state Hurricane Melissa is currently moving across the Caribbean. As Melissa moves toward Jamaica, the storm is threatening heavy rains, sustained winds, and potentially hazardous surf. At this point, it seems the track of Melissa does not warrant significant weakening of the storm. Local officials are requesting residents who live in coastal communities near Melissa stay indoors and are monitoring any local weather fitness declarations. The storm can still be extremely dangerous after dark, and local officials are continuing to closely monitor the track of Melissa, as the storm is likely to have many hours of opportunity to change into dangerous and/or disruptive conditions.
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Hurricane Melissa’s Current Position
Hurricane Melissa is swirling over the warm waters of the Caribbean and moving closer to Jamaica, bringing a large area of high winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf. The National Hurricane Center’s latest update states that Melissa is a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds near 120 mph (195 km/h). The outer bands of the storm have started lashing portions of southern Jamaica, and there are reports of power outages and flash flood warnings across that section of the island.
East Coast later this week.
How Strong Is Hurricane Melissa Right Now?
The center of the storm is about 150 miles south of Kingston in Jamaica. Melissa continues to move at a steady speed of 10 mph.
The National Hurricane Center states that Hurricane Melissa’s strength may change over time. Maximum gusts could potentially approach 140 mph, making Melissa one of the strongest storms of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Jamaica on High Alert: What’s Happening on the Ground
Jamaica is now in a state of complete preparation.
In Montego Bay, strong winds and heavy rain have already produced damage to coastal infrastructure, a shelter has been opened, and several flights from Sangster International Airport have been delayed or canceled.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness spoke to the people of Jamaica, indicating emergency services are on standby for the hurricane, and advised the public to take the warnings and advice seriously.
Florida Prepares for Possible Impact
While Jamaica and the northern part of the Caribbean is Melissa’s immediate concern, Florida is not out of the woods. Current forecast models indicate that the storm has the potential to turn north toward the Bahamas by Thursday and potentially impact the east coast of Florida by the weekend. Governor Ron DeSantis has already put emergency response teams on standby and is urging Floridians to monitor information from the NHC and local weather stations.
NOAA and NHC Latest Forecast Updates
The NOAA Hurricane Center stated that Hurricane Melissa is intensifying in the Caribbean as it moves north-west, with satellite imagery showing a well-defined eye and tightly coiled bands around the storm, suggesting an organized and powerful hurricane.
Hurricane Melissa’s Predicted Path and Landfall Time
If current projections are correct, Hurricane Melissa is expected to make its closest approach to Jamaica late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. The center of the storm may pass just west of Montego Bay, resulting in significant wind damage and coastal flooding. After crossing near Jamaica, Melissa is then expected to move toward the Cayman Islands before making a turn north-northeast toward the Bahamas, and possibly toward the southeast United States coast.
Live Cams and Radar Tracking Links
For anyone interested in watching Hurricane Melissa live, there are several live camera and radar feeds available:
- NOAA Hurricane Tracker: www.nhc.noaa.gov
- Weather.com Live Radar: weather.com/storms
- Montego Bay & Kingston Live Cams: Found on local news networks and YouTube feeds
- Fox Weather Live Updates
Safety Tips for Residents in Affected Areas
Here is a reminder of how to stay safe:
- Stay inside and away from windows.
- Charge your phones and power banks.
- Do not drive in flooded or heavy rain.
- Download the evacuation order immediately.
- Have a stock of non-perishable food, bottled water, and a first-aid kit.
- Continue to follow local radio and NHC reports for emergency information.
Preparation is the key to survival.
Impact on Travel and Tourism (Jamaica & Florida)
The tourism sector, especially in Jamaica, has already begun to feel Hurricane Melissa’s effects. Prominent resorts in Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios have closed beachfront areas for the time being and discontinued water-related activities.
Cruise lines have diverted ships traveling through the Caribbean to avoid the storm as well. Travel interruptions are significant but officials report it is for safety purposes.
Conclusion: Staying Informed and Staying Safe
Hurricane Melissa remains an active and dangerous storm as it moves through the Caribbean.
As Melissa continues on a path we cannot predict, preparedness and or vigilance is our best method of safety.
Keep watch whether you are in Jamaica, the Bahamas, or in southeastern U.S. Keep your guard up, follow safety protocols, and support each other through the storm.