Strengthened to a category 5 storm it is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane on the Caribbean island today

10:21, Mon, Oct 27, 2025 Updated: 10:25, Mon, Oct 27, 2025

JAMAICA-HAITI-WEATHER-STORM-MELISSA

Hurricane Melissa southeast of Jamaica at 03:30 UTC (Image: RAMMB/CIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

The Caribbean is bracing for Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful to ever strike the region. Strengthened to a category 5 storm it is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane on the Caribbean island today, Tuesday October 28.

Winds are expected to peak at 160mph, making it the strongest of only five hurricanes ever recorded to hit Jamaica directly. UK holidaymakers are being warned of “catastrophic flash floods and landslides”. The Foreign Office warns: “It is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica. There are estimates for up to 700mm of rain, storm surges around coastal areas bringing waves of up to 4 metres, and winds of up to 135mph. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely.”

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4 mins ago10:21 Lauran O'Toole

UK holidaymakers warned of 'catastrophic flash floods and landslides'

UK holidaymakers are being warned of "catastrophic flash floods and landslides".

The Foreign Office warns: “It is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica. There are estimates for up to 700mm of rain, storm surges around coastal areas bringing waves of up to 4 metres, and winds of up to 135mph. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely.”

Jamaica weather

Jamaica is bracing for hurricane Melissa (Image: Getty)

10 mins ago10:15 Lauran O'Toole

Hurricane Melissa strengthened to category 5

Hurricane Melissa has been strengthened to a category 5.

The forecast track below shows the storm making its way to Jamaica.

Forecast track of Hurricane Melissa

Forecast track of Hurricane Melissa (Image: National Hurricane Centre )

14 mins ago10:11 Lauran O'Toole

Good morning

Good morning. My name is Lauran O'Toole and welcome to our live blog. 

The Caribbean is bracing for Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful to ever strike the region.

Strengthened to a category 5 storm it is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane on the Caribbean island today, Tuesday October 28.

We will provide you with live updates as and when we receive them. 

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