The Caribbean region faced a significant challenge in the form of Hurricane Melissa during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. As a powerful tropical cyclone with the potential for catastrophic impacts, for travelers, staying informed is absolutely paramount.
We’ll guide you through the latest storm updates, including its current status and projected path. Most importantly, we’ll tell you what you need to do now, whether you’re already on the island or still preparing for your flight. Our focus will be on the severe impact this storm will have on Jamaica, covering the broader implications for the Caribbean, including the threats posed to Cuba and Haiti.
Table of Contents
Where Is Hurricane Melissa Now?
Hurricane Melissa Affected Areas
Other Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Where Is Hurricane Melissa Now?
As of the latest advisories, Hurricane Melissa is churning as a major hurricane in the central Caribbean Sea. The storm is currently located south of the main Caribbean islands, steadily moving westward before an expected turn to the northwest. Propelled by warm ocean waters, the hurricane will rapidly intensify into a dangerous Category 4 storm. We are observing sustained winds well over 130 miles per hour.
Hurricane Melissa Path
Based on projections, the storm is expected to pass directly over the main islands of the Greater Antilles, following this path:
| Predicted Time | Expected Location | Intensity |
Potential Damage
|
| Late Sunday to Monday | Western to northwestern Jamaica
|
High-End Category 4 | Rainfall, strong winds, and landslides
|
| Late Monday to Tuesday Morning | Directly approaching Jamaica
|
High-End Category 4 | Hurricane |
| Tuesday Evening to Wednesday Morning | Moving across Southeastern Cuba | Major Hurricane Category 3 | Strong winds, high waves, and heavy rain |
| Wednesday to Thursday | Head northeast toward the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands | Strong Hurricane Category 1 or 2 | Heavy rainfall and storms
|
| Late Next Week | Moving into the Western Atlantic Ocean. | Weakening Hurricane or Tropical Storm | Heavy rain and wind gusts could affect sea lanes. |
Hurricane Melissa Affected Areas
Hurricane Melissa poses a severe threat to the Caribbean region, particularly Jamaica, Haiti, and eastern Cuba:
- Jamaica: On high alert, particularly the southern and eastern coasts, expected to bear the brunt of the storm. This includes the capital Kingston and the parish of Portland. Coastal resorts, infrastructure in major cities, and vulnerable hillside communities are at extreme risk. Rainfall of 15-30 inches is anticipated across the island.
- Cuba: Eastern provinces, particularly Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, are preparing for significant impacts and have issued hurricane watches. This area is already familiar with the intense nature of the Cuba hurricane season, but the strength of Melissa means preparation must be heightened. In particular, this hurricane is highly likely to bring rainfall of up to 12 inches and cause flooding.
- Haiti: Although this hurricane will not make direct landfall, Haiti’s terrain and existing infrastructure make it highly vulnerable to catastrophic mudslides and flash floods brought by the storm. To date, the hurricane in Haiti has claimed three lives due to landslides and falling trees.
Impact on Tourism
As soon as a storm enters the forecast models, the industry essentially goes into a holding pattern, and with a storm of this magnitude, all non-essential travel grinds to a halt.
For travel to Jamaica, both Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay are currently closed. This has resulted in widespread flight cancellations and delays. Major hotel chains and all-inclusive resorts are prioritizing the safety and evacuation of existing guests and staff over the arrival of new travelers. Many resorts will temporarily cease operations, board up windows, and move furniture to secure locations.
Cruise ship itineraries are also undergoing major revisions. The Caribbean cruise routes are designed to avoid storms, so any ports of call scheduled for Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, or eastern Cuba have almost certainly been diverted to western ports in Mexico or the Southern Caribbean.
Travel Advisory Status
- The U.S. Embassy in Kingston has updated its travel advisory for Jamaica to “Avoid non-essential travel” due to Hurricane Melissa. The Embassy will provide only limited emergency services on October 27. All routine ACS and visa appointments have been canceled. The U.S. Embassy in Cuba has also issued a warning, advising U.S. citizens in the hurricane’s path to decide whether to leave now while flights are still available or prepare to shelter in place.
- The Government of Canada has raised its advisory to Avoid All Travel effective October 26. Canadians in Jamaica are urged to follow instructions from local authorities and exercise caution.
- The French Diplomatie has raised its alert level to the highest state and advises against travel to Jamaica. For its citizens, it strongly recommends avoiding travel near coastlines and rivers due to the extremely high risk of flooding.
Also, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Australia have issued travel advisories regarding Hurricane Melissa.
Safety Tips for Travelers
In the event of a major weather occurrence, it is essential to have a clear, actionable plan in place. Especially if the natural disaster will affect your travel plans.
For Those Currently in These Areas
If you are already in Jamaica or another area in the path of the hurricane, you must cease all sightseeing activities and strictly follow the instructions issued by local authorities.
- Find Your Shelter: Jamaican authorities have activated 881 shelters. Confirm whether your hotel or local officials have designated hurricane shelters. High-rise buildings are generally less secure than reinforced shelters on lower levels. Move to the interior of a reinforced building, away from windows.
- About Parish Disaster Coordinators: In Jamaica, each parish has a designated disaster coordinator. Please confirm which parish you are in and keep their contact details to hand.
- Prepare Supplies: Ensure you have at least three to five days’ worth of drinking water, non-perishable food, flashlights, spare batteries, a first-aid kit, and any essential medications.
- Stay Connected: Charge your mobile devices immediately using a portable power bank. During a power cut, few communication tools will remain reliable. Use a battery-powered radio to monitor official weather broadcasts. Once the winds pick up, do not go outside.
For Those Planning to Travel to These Areas
If your trip is scheduled for the near future, you need to make the tough decision to postpone or cancel. Traveling into a disaster zone is irresponsible and dangerous.
- Contact Your Provider: Call your airline, travel agent, or tour operator immediately. Do not wait for them to call you. Ask about their specific hurricane waiver policies for Hurricane Melissa.
- Review Your Insurance: Check your travel insurance policy. Confirm the scope of the policy’s coverage and the incidents it covers.
- Consider Recovery Time: Postponing your trip by just a few days may not be enough. It takes Jamaica weeks or even months to recover from major hurricane damage. Roads will be impassable, utilities such as water and electricity will be intermittent, and destinations simply won’t be ready to welcome visitors straight away. You may wish to consider delaying your trip by several weeks or even planning to visit another destination.
Other Places to Visit in the Caribbean
If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean but want to avoid Typhoon Melissa, here are some alternative destinations.
Cancún, Mexico
Cancún, located on the Yucatán Peninsula, is one of Mexico’s premier beach destinations. It offers a wealth of activities, luxurious resorts, and stunning Caribbean beaches. With ancient Mayan ruins nearby, you can combine a beach getaway with historical exploration.
When visiting Cancún, exploring the Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá and Tulum is a must. You can also try various water activities, such as snorkeling among coral reefs and scuba diving. Most importantly, you should check out the unique cenotes. Of course, relaxing at an all-inclusive resort is also a popular way to enjoy a trip to Cancún.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is another coastal resort town, located close to Cancun. While it offers equally crystal-clear waters and captivating beaches, it has a more laid-back and authentic local vibe than Cancun. Prices here are more affordable, and attractions are concentrated.
Quinta Avenida is the entertainment hub of the area, offering dining and shopping options that are perfect for strolling around and experiencing local life. At the popular Xcaret Park, you can admire nature while enjoying an underground river rafting adventure. You can also take a ferry to the renowned diving destination of Cozumel Island, which teems with marine life.
San José, Costa Rica
San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, is situated in the Central Valley. Although it lacks ocean views, it has many museums and historic buildings, and it is a gateway to rainforests and volcanoes.
First, visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which showcases gold artifacts from pre-Columbian Central America. Then head to the Jade Museum, which is home to one of the world’s largest collections of jade. Witness the beauty of gold and jade for yourself. Enjoy a performance at the National Theatre, then take a day trip to the nearby Poás Volcano National Park.
Bogotá, Colombia
As Colombia’s capital, Bogotá is nestled in the Andes, making it a high-altitude city. With its blend of colonial history and a vibrant cultural and artistic atmosphere, it is an essential first stop for any visit to Colombia.
Bogotá is also home to the Museo del Oro, a museum dedicated to gold artifacts that showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Andean civilizations. For panoramic city views, take the cable car up Monserrate Hill, the premier vantage point. If you are more interested in cultural history, the La Candelaria district features numerous ancient churches and cultural centers.
FAQ
When will Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica?
According to official forecasts, Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in southern Jamaica on Monday or Tuesday evening (October 27 or October 28) local time.
Has there ever been a Hurricane Melissa?
Yes, there have been instances before. For example, Tropical Storm Melissa occurred in the 2019 season, but it was a weak and short-lived system over the open ocean that never threatened land. However, Hurricane Melissa 2025 is the first storm to reach hurricane strength within the Atlantic basin.
Can Hurricane Melissa grow?
Yes, it absolutely can grow and intensify further. Currently, Hurricane Melissa is a Category 4 storm, but there is a possibility its strength could increase to Category 5.
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