Hurricane Melissa hits category 5: Strongest storm of 2025 nears Jamaica; Caribbean braces for catastrophic floods

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds nearing 280 km/h, is threatening Jamaica with catastrophic flooding and storm surges. The “potentially catastrophic” cyclone underwent explosive intensification due to exceptionally warm ocean waters. Authorities have ordered evacuations and closed airports as the storm inches closer to the island’s southern coast.