Hurricane Melissa is an active, slow-moving, and extremely powerful tropical cyclone in the Caribbean Sea, currently threatening the Greater Antilles, particularly Jamaica, southeastern Cuba, and Hispaniola. The thirteenth named storm, fifth hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and third Category 5 hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, Melissa formed from a tropical wave that was first monitored for development on October 16, 2025. The wave originated from West Africa, traveled from the central Atlantic to the Windward Islands, and then moved quickly westward into the Caribbean Sea, where it slowed down and developed into Tropical Storm Melissa on October 21. Weak steering currents and moderate wind shear kept Melissa meandering and disorganized for the next few days as it slowly moved northwest. Eventually, Melissa became better organized, and from October 25 into 27, rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane. It is the strongest hurricane of the season, and the strongest tropical cyclone of 2025 globally to date. It is also the eighth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record.

At least eight deaths have been attributed to Melissa, including five from flooding and landslides in Hispaniola and three indirect fatalities in Jamaica.

Recent data from aircraft flying inside the storm showed that its central pressure dropped even lower, meaning Melissa has strengthened.

The main airports in Jamaica, Kingston and Montego Bay, are closed.

The US Embassy in Cuba reports that the Hurricane Melissa may also impact the following airports in the eastern region: Frank País International Airport (Holguín), Antonio Maceo International Airport (Santiago de Cuba), Sierra Maestra Airport (Manzanillo, Granma), and Gustavo Rizo Airport (Baracoa, Guantánamo).  Depending on the storm’s trajectory, Ignacio Agramonte Airport (Camagüey) may also be affected.