Hurricane Melissa turned sharply to devastate Jamaica. How forecasters knew where it was headed

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, intensified into one of the most powerful Atlantic tropical cyclones in recorded history, making landfall on October 28, 2025, in western Jamaica. The hurricane struck with sustained winds reaching 185 mph, resulting in significant destruction across the region. The storm caused roofs to be blown off buildings, power lines to be knocked down, and generated severe mudslides and flash flooding due to its torrential rainfall. Additionally, the storm surge inundated coastal areas, exacerbating the risks faced by the local population. As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, forecasters closely monitored its trajectory and potential impacts. The storm was expected to bring catastrophic conditions, including heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides, as it moved through the northern Caribbean. Officials expressed concerns about the potential destruction that the storm could cause, highlighting the critical situation as it neared landfall. The storm's intensity and the forecasted impacts prompted preparations for the aftermath of the hurricane's landfall. Following its impact in Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa was forecasted to continue its path across Cuba and the Bahamas through Wednesday. The trajectory of the storm was carefully tracked by meteorologists, who were able to predict its movement and the severe weather conditions that would follow. The situation remained critical as officials prepared for the challenges posed by the hurricane's aftermath and the ongoing severe weather conditions.