Hurricane Melissa Weakens to Category 2 Over Cuba After Devastating Jamaica/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hurricane Melissa weakened to a Category 2 storm as it churned over Cuba, leaving widespread damage in its wake after battering Jamaica with 185 mph winds. The storm has caused at least seven deaths across the Caribbean and continues to threaten the Bahamas and Bermuda. Cuban authorities warn of further flooding and damage amid the island’s economic crisis.
Hurricane Melissa Update Quick Looks
- Melissa weakens to Category 2 after hitting Cuba with 105 mph winds.
- Previously slammed Jamaica as one of the strongest hurricanes on record.
- At least seven deaths reported across the Caribbean.
- Hundreds of thousands evacuated in Cuba amid heavy rains and winds.
- 20 inches of rain and 12-foot storm surge forecasted.
- Cuban president warns of widespread damage and urges caution.
- Jamaica reports power outages, hospital evacuations, and communication blackouts.
- Storm to impact southeastern and central Bahamas next, then near Bermuda.
- U.S. deploying disaster response teams; airports in Jamaica to reopen soon.
- Melissa could worsen Cuba’s ongoing energy and food crisis.
Deep Look: Hurricane Melissa Weakens Over Cuba After Widespread Devastation in Jamaica
SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba — October 29, 2025 — Hurricane Melissa weakened to a Category 2 storm as it swept across Cuba on Wednesday, following a destructive landfall in Jamaica that left significant damage and at least one confirmed death. While its winds have slowed, the storm remains powerful and dangerous as it moves toward the Bahamas and potentially Bermuda.
With top sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph), Melissa was moving north-northeast at 14 mph (22 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of Wednesday morning, the eye of the storm was 45 miles northwest of Guantánamo, Cuba, and 205 miles south of the central Bahamas.
In Jamaica, Melissa reached peak sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph), ranking it among the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic. The storm made landfall Tuesday, leaving widespread flooding, power outages, and structural damage across much of the island. Officials have confirmed at least one fatality—a child struck by a falling tree in the island’s west.
Cuba Braces for Heavy Rain, Landslides, and Storm Surge
Cuban authorities have issued hurricane warnings for five eastern provinces: Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas. Over 200,000 people have been evacuated to shelters in preparation for the storm’s passage. Officials warn that parts of eastern Cuba could receive up to 20 inches (51 cm) of rain, raising the risk of flash floods and deadly landslides.
Storm surges as high as 12 feet (3.6 meters) are also expected along the coast, which could further worsen the island’s fragile infrastructure.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, speaking in a televised address, urged citizens to remain vigilant. “There will be a lot of work to do,” he said. “We know there will be a lot of damage. Melissa is the strongest hurricane ever to hit national territory.”
In the city of Las Tunas, 73-year-old Manuel Pérez described the chaos during the storm. “The winds and gusts were very strong, and the rain is still coming,” he said. “No one was on the streets—it hit during the night.”
Jamaica Faces Widespread Destruction and Blackouts
Jamaican officials are still struggling to assess the full extent of the damage due to widespread power outages and communication disruptions.
Acting director general of the country’s Office of Disaster Preparedness, Richard Thompson, said, “There’s a total communication blackout on that side.”
Deputy Disaster Risk Management Council chair Desmond McKenzie reported severe damage in the southern parish of Clarendon and the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, which was “under water.” Four hospitals were damaged, with one losing power and forcing the evacuation of 75 patients.
More than 500,000 customers were without electricity late Tuesday, and thousands of trees and power lines were down across the island. Officials hope to reopen all of Jamaica’s airports by Thursday to accelerate the delivery of emergency relief supplies.
U.S. Sends Disaster Response Teams
In response to the storm’s devastation, the United States announced it is deploying disaster response teams and search and rescue personnel to affected areas. The State Department has authorized non-emergency personnel and the families of U.S. government employees to leave Jamaica.
Melissa has already been blamed for seven deaths across the Caribbean: three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. One person remains missing in the Dominican Republic, and dozens more have been injured or displaced.
The storm is expected to pass near or west of Bermuda late Thursday, and its path includes Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands, which are bracing for torrential rains and high winds.
Regional Recovery Will Take Time
The hurricane’s passage threatens to deepen Cuba’s ongoing economic and humanitarian crisis, marked by prolonged blackouts, severe food shortages, and fuel rationing. Officials have warned that the storm’s damage to infrastructure could delay recovery for weeks.
The international community is preparing to assist with emergency supplies, but conditions remain dangerous, and ongoing rain may complicate recovery efforts.
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