Hurricane Melissa turns towards Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa is one of the most powerful hurricanes on record and has the potential to cause devastating damage to Jamaica when it passes on October 28, 2025.
Provided by Cira/Noaa/CSU
- Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in Jamaica, stranding tourists and residents.
- The storm caused multiple casualties due to 185 mph winds and flash flooding.
- Travel experts advise travelers to follow guidance from local authorities and hotel staff during natural disasters.
Honeymooners Tierra Coleman and Laquon Triplett have already had two flights back to Milwaukee canceled as Hurricane Melissa continues to batter the Jamaican coast.
The first Category 5 cyclone to hit the island nation on October 28 brought “catastrophic” winds of up to 185 mph, flash flooding and storm surge, according to the US National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane Melissa, considered the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone so far this year, has already caused several casualties. Many residents and tourists, including Coleman and Triplett, are seeking shelter and safety as the hurricane weakens slightly and moves toward Cuba.
As of October 28, the couple, on their first overseas trip, said they were waiting in a room at a resort about 40 minutes from Montego Bay. The resort is powered by a generator and limited meals are available to guests. The newlyweds are considering ways to return to their home in Milwaukee, and Coleman told USA TODAY that their best hope is Oct. 31, if the roads are clear.
“There was a loud banging on the ceiling and the door was shaking,” Coleman told USA TODAY. “Most of the palm trees have fallen and some of the resort grounds have been damaged.”
They said they first learned about the tropical storm on Saturday and tried to change their flight home to an earlier one on Monday, but the plane quickly filled up. The couple continues to pay for the additional days at the resort out of their own pocket, which “adds significant financial stress to the situation.”
Their experience is similar to that of many other travelers stranded in their beloved Caribbean destinations, seeking shelter and safety as their return home remains in flux.
What happens if your destination is hit by a hurricane?
Mike Ballard, director of intelligence at international security firm Global Guardian, said most destinations with hurricane season are prepared for this type of natural disaster.
“Fortunately, the Jamaican government, tourism industry and travel partners have experience in preparing for and responding to hurricanes,” the country said on its official tourism website. “Please be assured that our team is highly organized and in constant communication, and that your safety and comfort is our top priority.” On October 24, the Jamaican government issued a hurricane warning for the island nation.
“Many of these hotels and resorts, especially in the Caribbean, are modern, relatively new buildings that are built to withstand hurricanes to some extent,” Ballard told USA TODAY. “We don’t know how well it will withstand 185 or 200 mph winds, but certainly the windows and other things are rated as resistant in some of these zones.”
Many hotels and resorts are prepared for such situations with generators and stockpiles of food, fuel, and plywood to protect vulnerable areas. Most resorts and hotels have plans in place to inform guests how to stay safe on-site, he added. Additionally, 881 evacuation centers have been set up across the island for residents in particularly vulnerable areas.
In a viral TikTok, another couple honeymooning in Jamaica said their hotel, the Excellence Oyster Bay, advised them to pack their essentials in emergency bags so staff could take them to a shelter if needed.
Ballard said Global Guardian has a small number of clients who are vacationing in Jamaica and are waiting in hotels for the hurricane to arrive. “It’s okay for now,” he added.
The challenge most travelers face is how to get home. “Most people don’t have a big problem during a hurricane. When things are chaotic, it’s the aftermath that really matters,” Ballard said. “Airports may be closed for some time.” This will depend on the need for humanitarian or emergency relief.
Airlines have issued travel warnings for airports in the hurricane’s path, and some, like American Airlines, are increasing flights, restricting airfares, and evacuating large aircraft before airports close.
Ballard advises travelers to follow the guidance of resorts and local authorities. “Listen to the people who have lived there forever. They’ve been through a lot of hardship, so they’ll know the best way to hunker down and evacuate.”
