Good360 is closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, as it tracks through the Caribbean toward Jamaica and eastern Cuba. The hurricane poses a catastrophic threat to the western Caribbean, with life-threatening flooding, landslides, and destructive winds expected to cause severe humanitarian impacts. Widespread flooding is anticipated across Jamaica and Haiti, with a high risk of prolonged power outages, infrastructure damage, and housing loss throughout the region.
The Good360 Disaster Response and Recovery team is actively engaging partners and implementing readiness plans to support rapid response and resource mobilization as the storm’s path develops, including preparations for potential impacts in the Southeast or Mid-Atlantic U.S. next week.
Situation Overview
As of October 27, 2025, Hurricane Melissa has intensified to Category 5 strength with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph and gusts up to 180 mph. The storm’s center was located approximately 100 miles southwest of Jamaica and 270 miles southwest of Cuba, moving slowly north-northeast at about 5 mph towards the Bahamas.
Landfall is forecast for western to central Jamaica on October 28, with the eye crossing the island and continuing toward eastern Cuba by early October 29. Dangerous storm surge, extreme rainfall, and sustained high winds are expected to persist across the region for at least 48 hours.
Forecast rainfall totals are 12-18 inches across Jamaica and eastern Cuba, with localized amounts up to 50 inches some regions. Storm surge between 10-15 feet is expected along Jamaica’s southern coast, with widespread flooding and coastal inundation likely.
Hurricane Melissa is the strongest storm of the 2025 Atlantic season to date and one of the most intense on record for late October. AccuWeather and regional agencies warn that impacts could parallel historic events such as 1998’s Hurricane Gilbert or 2019’s Hurricane Dorian in severity and duration.
Forecast models remain uncertain regarding Melissa’s track beyond the Caribbean. If the storm moves closer to the U.S. mainland, high surf and tidal flooding could affect portions of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic coasts. Good360 will continue to track developments and assess potential risks to supply chains and vulnerable coastal communities.
Current Impacts
Haiti: As of October 26, 3 deaths and 16 injuries have been reported. 1,152 families have been affected, 450 homes have flooded, and 342 shelters have opened, according to CDEMA.
Dominican Republic: As of October 27, 1 death has been reported, with at least one more missing, and 1,500 evacuees have been reported, according to IFRC and UNICEF. According to the ECHO report released on October 23, approximately 549,000 people have been affected by damaged aqueducts.
Jamaica: As of October 26, 31 shelters have opened, with over 200 people displaced, according to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.
Storm Warnings, Watches, and Orders
Hurricane Warning: In effect for Jamaica and eastern Cuba – hurricane conditions expected imminently.
Hurricane Watch: In effect for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti (from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince), the Southern Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos – hurricane conditions possible.
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