Satellite image of Hurricane Melissa as of 5 p.m., Oct. 28, 2025.
© Provided by NOAA/STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(Miami, FL) — Hurricane Melissa has moved back into the Caribbean after pummeling Jamaica. It was the most powerful hurricane on record to strike the island, landing as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, packing winds of 185 miles-per-hour.
Life-threatening flooding, and storm surge are impacting the island nation. Jamaican officials say well-over half-a-million people are without power. Melissa has dropped to a high powered Category 4 hurricane. It will shift across Cuba early October 29th.
A Tampa-based disaster response group is preparing to head to Jamaica. Project Dynamo is deploying U.S. veterans and first responders to assist with medical aid and supplies. The team already has crews on the ground near Black River. They’re calling the mission “Operation Cool Runnings.” Meanwhile, along Florida’s east coast, folks can expect high wind, rain, and dangerous beach conditions.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness says other countries have pledged their support to help his country after Hurricane Melissa is over.
