by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor
Update: 27.10.2025
Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 5 storm, causing widespread flooding, landslides, destructive winds, and storm surges across Jamaica.
Torrential rainfall from Melissa is also expected to result in severe flooding in Haiti, with further impacts anticipated in eastern Cuba and parts of the Bahamas.
According to the latest report from The Weather Channel, the hurrican's centre is currently positioned just over 100 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica.
It is forecast to curve northeastward, making landfall over Jamaica on Tuesday, before advancing into eastern Cuba by Tuesday night or early Wednesday, and subsequently passing through the southeast Bahamas or Turks and Caicos on Wednesday.
Significant disruption to transhipment operations in the Port of Kingston, Jamaica, is expected as Melissa approaches.
Kingston Port, may experience direct and indirect impacts, affecting shippers throughout the wider Caribbean and Central American region, with potential ripple effects extending to the neighbouring region.
Currently, airports in Kingston and Montego Bay are closed, and seven areas are under mandatory evacuation orders, including one located near Kingston Port.
Original article: 23.10.2025
On 21 October, tropical Storm Melissa formed over the southern Caribbean Sea. According to the latest news reports, the storm is currently advancing through the Caribbean Sea, with expected impact in Jamaica, southern Hispaniola, and the Dominican Republic.
Authorities in these areas have issued warnings due to potential landslides and severe flooding for the next few weeks.
In the Dominican Republic, local authorities have ordered the closure of schools, businesses, and government offices across nine provinces currently under alert.
Forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall is expected in southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic through Saturday.
Western Jamaica, southern Hispaniola, Aruba, and Puerto Rico are also forecast to experience significant precipitation.
Ports in the affected regions, including Port-au-Prince in Haiti, and Kingston in Jamaica, are likely to restrict operations due to the bad weather.
For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
