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 hurricane that made catastrophic landfall in Jamaica in October 2025, causing widespread destruction and fatalities across the Caribbean.
What it was
Hurricane Melissa was a tropical cyclone during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. It reached maximum sustained winds of 190 mph (305 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 892 mb, placing it among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record.
Key details
The storm made landfall in Jamaica in late October 2025, causing catastrophic damage including destroyed homes, damaged hospitals, flooding, landslides, and power outages. Damage in Jamaica was estimated at US$8.8 billion. Fatalities were reported in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.
Why it matters
The hurricane prompted extensive relief efforts by Jamaican and international musicians. The name Melissa was retired by the World Meteorological Organization in March 2026 and replaced with Molly. Canadian media covered the storm's humanitarian impact and diaspora response.
In short
- One of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record
- Catastrophic landfall in Jamaica, October 2025
- 95 deaths across four Caribbean countries
- Name retired and replaced with Molly in 2026
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]
Quick questions
How strong was Hurricane Melissa?
Which countries were affected?
Was the name Melissa retired?
Sources
- 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