Hurricane Melissa LIVE Updates: Jamaica reels after historic landfall; storm pushes on toward Cuba and the Bahamas

Hurricane Melissa roared across Jamaica with extraordinary force on Tuesday, carving a southwest-to-northeast path and leaving widespread wind damage, life-threatening storm surge and major flooding in its wake. By early Wednesday (Oct. 29), recovery crews were beginning damage assessments while the hurricane, weaker but still dangerous, closed in on eastern Cuba and then the Bahamas.

What’s happening now

• 6:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. GMT (Wed): Melissa’s core is moving over or near eastern Cuba as a major hurricane. Dangerous winds, life-threatening surge along south-facing coasts, and 6–12 inches of rain with locally higher amounts are expected.

• Overnight in Jamaica: Hundreds of thousands lost power at peak. Coastal communities on the south and west coasts endured severe surge inundation; interior parishes reported flash flooding and landslides. Early casualty reports are emerging; officials are verifying figures.

• Air and sea travel: Jamaica’s airports and seaports conducted safety inspections at first light. Limited reopenings are possible once runways, navigational aids and channels are cleared, but schedules remain highly disrupted.

This is a developing situation; details may change as assessments continue.

Jamaica: key impacts and where the damage is concentrated

• Track across the island: Entry near St. Elizabeth on the south coast, exit near St. Ann on the north coast—bringing eyewall conditions to multiple parishes.

• Wind destruction: Roof failures and snapped utility poles are widespread along the diagonal path of the core. Urban areas outside the core still saw damaging gusts from feeder bands.

• Storm surge: South and west coasts experienced surge capable of flooding ground floors and pushing water well inland in low-lying zones. Residual coastal flooding is possible today where onshore flow persists.

• Freshwater flooding and slides: Torrential bands triggered landslides along slopes and overwhelmed drainage in towns and cities. Some communities remain cut off until debris is cleared.

• Critical services: Hospitals relied on generators in several parishes; water and telecom service interruptions continue. Authorities opened more than 100 shelters; occupancy varied due to road access and late-stage evacuation challenges.

Forecast: Hurricane Melissa path and timing

• Cuba (today): Landfall/near-landfall impacts across eastern provinces with destructive winds, significant rainfall flooding, and coastal inundation. Mountainous terrain will enhance flood and mudslide risk.

• Bahamas (late Wed–Thu): Core likely passes near or through portions of the Bahamas with dangerous marine conditions, squalls and pockets of hurricane-force winds depending on the exact track.

• Later this week: The system curves over the western Atlantic, gradually weakening but still generating large swells, rip currents and periods of heavy rain far from the center. Track and intensity adjustments remain possible; follow official advisories for your area.

Travel and closures at a glance

• Airports: Jamaica conducting inspections; select operations could resume once power, lighting and debris issues are resolved. Travelers should expect rolling cancellations and minimal capacity on first flights.

• Ports and ferries: Remain suspended in affected zones until pilots confirm safe depths and aids to navigation.

• Roads: Major coastal and mountain corridors are obstructed by trees, power lines and washouts. Only essential travel is advised where permitted.

• Schools and public offices: Closed pending structural checks and restoration of utilities.

Safety guidance for residents and relatives

• Avoid floodwaters. Roadbeds may be undermined; as little as 18–24 inches of moving water can sweep away vehicles.

• Treat all downed lines as energized. Keep generators outdoors and 20+ feet from doors and windows to prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning.

• Water and food safety. Heed boil-water or disinfection notices; discard perishable foods if refrigeration was lost for extended periods.

• Document damage in daylight. Photograph safely for insurance and relief claims.

• Check on vulnerable neighbors. Elderly residents, people with disabilities and families with infants may need extra assistance while services recover.

Why Hurricane Melissa intensified so rapidly

Melissa drew on exceptionally warm Caribbean waters with high ocean-heat content, low to moderate wind shear, and a compact inner core—ingredients that favor rapid intensification. These short-fuse surges in strength compress preparation timelines, complicating evacuation and shelter operations. Expect post-storm reviews to examine warning lead times, shelter utilization, and infrastructure performance.

What to watch in the next 24–48 hours

• Cuban impact totals: Confirmation of wind, surge and rainfall extremes and the status of evacuations.

• Power restoration in Jamaica: Initial recon of transmission corridors and substations; staged restoration by parish.

• Marine hazards for the Bahamas and Atlantic coasts: Long-period swells, coastal flooding at high tide, and dangerous rip currents even far from the center.

• Aviation and shipping: Gradual reopening once safety checks conclude; humanitarian and relief flights prioritized.

Quick reference: expected hazards by area (next two days)

Stay tuned for further Hurricane Melissa LIVE Updates as officials release verified assessments and restoration timelines.