METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE, JAMAICA
Branch of Me Ministry of Water, Environment & Climate Change
Telephone: 8764244055,24-8404

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday October 26, 2025 —5:00 a.m.
BULLETIN No: 35

*** Melissa Now A Category 4 Hurricane... Hurricane
Warning Remains In Effect For Jamaica**

A HURRICANE WARNING remains in effect for Jamaica, as Melissa has further strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

At 4:00 a.m., the centre of Hurricane Melissa was located near latitude 16.3 degrees North, longitude 76.3 degrees West This is about 178 kilometres (111 miles) south-southeast of Morant Point, or 195 kilometres (120 miles) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.

Melissa is moving slowly toward the west near 7 icm/h (5 mph). A slow westward motion is expected today, followed by a tum to the north and northeast on Monday and Tuesday. On the forecast track, the centre of Melissa is expected to move closer to Jamaica during the weekend and over the island on Tuesday.

Satellite images indicate that maximum sustained winds have rapidly increased to near 220 km/h (140 mph), with higher gusts. Continued rapid intensification is expected through tonight, follow. by fluctuations in intensity. Melissa is expected to be a major hurricane when making landfall in Jamaica Monday night or Tuesday morning.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 km (25 miles) from the centre and tropical­storm-force winds extend outward up to 280 km (175 miles).

Hurricane Melissa is expected to produce rainfall amounts reaching 350-700 mm (15-30 inches) over parts of Jamaica in the next few days, with higher amounts over hilly terrain. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely.

As the hurricane moves closer, tropical storm force winds are expected to spread from southeastern sections of Jamaica, this 'naming, to the northwest. Hurricane conditions are expected by Monday.

Life-threatening storm surge is likely along the south coast of Jamaica late Monday through Tuesday morning and could reach 9 to 13 feet above ground level near and to the east of where the centre of Melissa makes landfall. This storm surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

Small craft operators. including fishers on the toys and banks, are strongly advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.

The Meteorological Service continues to closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Melissa, and all interests are encouraged to pay special attention to further releases.

The next Bulletin on this system will be issued at 8:00 a.m. today.

Note:

HURRICANE WARNING means that the following dangerous effects of a hurricane are expected to affect Jamaica within 36 hours or less:

• Dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high wares, even though winds expected may be less than hurricane force;

• Average winds 119 km/h (74mph or 64 knots) or higher.

For recorded updates. please dial 116. See also our website at https://metservice.gov.jm