Hurricane Melissa turned sharply to devastate Jamaica − how forecasters knew where it was headed

By: Ethan Murray, University of Colorado Boulder, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 29, 2025

Words: 1,102

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 6 days ago

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By Ethan Murray, University of Colorado Boulder

Hurricane Melissa grew into one of the most powerful Atlantic tropical cyclones in recorded history on Oct. 28, 2025, hitting western Jamaica with 185 mph sustained winds. The Category 5 hurricane blew roofs off buildings and knocked down power lines, its torrential rainfall generated mudslides and flash flooding, and its storm surge inundated coastal areas.

Melissa had been wobbling south of the island for …

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