(Live Weather Update — October 26, 2025)

Kingston, Jamaica — A powerful Category 4 hurricane, Melissa, is battering Jamaica with sustained winds reaching 140 mph (220 km/h). Meteorologist Brian Shields reports that the storm’s core is now dangerously close to the island, moving westward at about 7 km/h. The central pressure has dropped to 946 mb, signaling growing intensity and catastrophic potential.

 

Residents across the island are bracing for impact as torrential rainfall, severe flooding, and destructive winds sweep from the east toward central and western Jamaica. Authorities have urged citizens to shelter in place, secure their homes, and prepare for long-term power outages that could last for weeks.

“All of Jamaica will experience hurricane-force winds,” said Shields. “There’s no escape route — everyone must be in a safe location.”

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🗺️ Storm Path and Timeline

Melissa’s projected track shows landfall late Monday night into early Tuesday morning, with the eye expected near Treasure Beach or Black River before moving north toward St. Ann and Montego Bay.
Despite slight shifts in model forecasts, all indicators confirm that Jamaica will face direct hurricane impacts.

 

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🏚️ Communities Prepare for the Worst

In Kingston and surrounding parishes, residents are boarding up windows and moving to higher ground. Emergency shelters are open, and disaster management teams are working tirelessly.
Rural areas face added risks of mudslides and flash floods, particularly in St. Thomas, Portland, and St. Mary, where rainfall could exceed 700 mm (28 inches) — levels described as historic by meteorologists.

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🌊 Storm Surge & Coastal Flooding

Coastal regions such as Black River, Negril, and Spanish Town are under high alert for life-threatening storm surges between 2.5 to 4 meters (8–13 feet).
This surge, combined with massive waves, could flood low-lying areas and sweep debris inland, posing extreme risks to coastal communities.

“This surge is the ocean coming in — not just flooding,” Shields emphasized. “We must take this seriously.”

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⚡ Impact on Communication and Power

Telecommunication networks across the island have begun to fail intermittently. Residents are encouraged to download offline weather apps, keep battery-powered radios, and conserve phone batteries.
Electricity providers have warned of nationwide blackouts due to downed power lines and storm damage.

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💔 The Human Side of the Storm

Beyond the data and warnings, the human toll is mounting. Families are huddled together, children frightened by the sounds of tearing winds and crashing debris. Yet, amid the chaos, stories of unity, courage, and neighborly care continue to emerge.
Local communities are sharing food, checking on the elderly, and offering shelter to those in need.

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🌤️ What Happens Next

By Tuesday night, Hurricane Melissa is expected to weaken slightly as it moves into eastern Cuba, then onward to the Turks and Caicos Islands by Wednesday.
Meteorologists caution that the danger will persist even after the storm passes, with flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage remaining major threats.

Authorities and international partners are preparing disaster relief operations to support recovery once conditions allow.

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🗣️ Final Word From the Weather Team

“This is one of the most powerful storms to ever strike Jamaica,” said Shields. “It’s comparable to Hurricane Gilbert in 1951 and could be even worse in some regions.”

As the storm rages, the TalkUpDiTingsDem News and 876NewsJa communities continue to share updates, support one another, and stand strong.
Jamaica will rebuild, recover, and rise — as it always has. 🇯🇲💪

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