Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa was an extremely powerful Atlantic tropical cyclone that made a catastrophic landfall in Jamaica in late October 2025.
Hurricane Melissa was an extremely powerful Atlantic tropical cyclone that made a catastrophic landfall in Jamaica in late October 2025. It caused widespread destruction, fatalities across the Caribbean, and major recovery efforts in Jamaica and beyond. The name was later retired by the World Meteorological Organization and replaced with Molly.
Meteorological history
Hurricane Melissa formed during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and became a major hurricane before striking Jamaica. Sources describe it as among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, with maximum sustained winds of 190 mph (305 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 892 mb.
Impact in Jamaica
The storm caused catastrophic damage in Jamaica, including destroyed homes, damaged hospitals, widespread flooding, landslides, and extensive power outages. Damage estimates for Jamaica were placed at about US$8.8 billion.
Casualties and regional effects
Melissa was linked to deaths across multiple Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Reports describe the storm as causing severe humanitarian and infrastructure impacts beyond Jamaica.
Relief and cultural response
The aftermath of Melissa inspired songs, fundraising campaigns, and celebrity aid efforts, especially within Jamaica’s music community. Media coverage highlighted contributions from figures such as Shaggy and Sean Paul, alongside broader local and international support.
Key facts
- Hurricane Melissa was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record by wind speed and central pressure.
- It made catastrophic landfall in Jamaica in late October 2025.
- The storm caused severe damage to homes, hospitals, roads, power infrastructure, and farmland in Jamaica.
- Fatalities were reported in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.
- The name Melissa was retired from the Atlantic naming list in 2026 and replaced with Molly.
Canadian readers may encounter coverage of Hurricane Melissa through Canadian media reporting on Caribbean relief, diaspora responses, and the storm’s wider humanitarian impact. Canadian outlets also reported on fundraising and celebrity-led recovery efforts in Jamaica.[12]
Frequently asked questions
What was Hurricane Melissa?
How strong was Hurricane Melissa?
Which countries were affected?
How much damage did it cause in Jamaica?
Was the name Melissa retired?
Why is Hurricane Melissa notable in music coverage?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_MelissaSupports: Storm classification, intensity, landfall, deaths, damage estimate, and name retirement
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgm37gvxk0oSupports: Humanitarian impact in Jamaica and IMF damage estimate
- Rolling Stone — https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sean-paul-matching-hurricane-melissa-donations-jamaica-storm-1235456958/Supports: Sean Paul relief effort and mention of storm impacts
- Rolling Stone — https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/shaggy-hurricane-melissa-relief-supplies-jamaica-1235458124/Supports: Shaggy’s aid mobilization after Hurricane Melissa
- Tempo Networks — https://www.tempo.co/?Supports: Coverage of Jamaican entertainers organizing relief after Hurricane Melissa
- nowtoronto.com — https://nowtoronto.com/culture/these-global-stars-are-stepping-in-as-jamaica-rebuilds-from-devastating-hurricane-melissa/Supports: Canadian coverage of rebuilding and recovery efforts
- Jamaica Observer — https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/01/27/european-jamaican-musicians-band-together-support-children-post-hurricane-melissa/Supports: Post-storm music and charity response in Jamaica