Hurricane Melissa tore through the northern Caribbean and was picking up speed as it churned toward Bermuda Thursday after killing at least 34 people across Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti.
The devastating storm’s death toll has continued to rise as the hurricane, once a Category 5 storm, continues to weaken while unleashing heavy rains and hurricane conditions over the Bahamas. Melissa was forecast to pass near the northwest of Bermuda late Thursday, bringing gusty winds and destruction, before weakening on Friday.
Authorities in Haiti said at least 25 people, including 10 children, have been killed. In Jamaica, eight deaths have been confirmed, while one fatality has been reported in the Dominican Republic, bringing the current known death toll across the Caribbean to 34. No casualties had been reported in Cuba, but the island has suffered widespread destruction.
The storm was the Caribbean’s third-most intense hurricane on record, as well as its slowest-moving, which made for even greater devastation from Jamaica to Cuba and Haiti.
The U.S. said it would deploy disaster response teams to the Caribbean to help those affected by Melissa.
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Key Points
- Hurricane Melissa heads toward Bermuda, fueling downpours in northeast U.S.
- Islands across Caribbean left reeling from Hurricane Melissa aftermath
- UK charters flights to help British nationals leave Jamaica
- Watch: Satellite imagery shows Jamaica before and after the devastation of Hurricane Melissa
- US prepared to provide humanitarian aid to Cuba
No reports of death or injuries in Bahamas
18:33
,
Isabel Keane
There were no initial reports of deaths or injuries in the Bahamas following Hurricane Melissa, which passed over the islands on Wednesday as a Category 1 storm.
Residents were evacuated to the capital, Nassau, ahead of the storm.
However, Melissa tracked over the central Bahamian islands, which were not evacuated.
Part of West Jamaica 'flattened' by storm
18:00
,
Isabel Keane
West Jamaica was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa, with some areas “flattened,” Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s information minister, said during a Thursday news briefing.
“I think the entire Jamaica is really broken because of what has happened,” she said, according to the New York Times. “But we remain resilient.”
The military was working on cutting through blocked roads to reach Black River and other decimated communities, Dixon said.
Over 130 roads were blocked by debris Thursday morning, according to Robert Morgan, Jamaica’s minister in charge of infrastructure. Military leaders were prioritizing clearing roads leading to hospitals, airports and other key infrastructure.
Officials were using helicopters to respond to reports of any bodies found.
Residents wade through flooded streets in Haiti
17:30
,
Isabel Keane
Britons fear for loved ones in devastated Jamaica in wake of Hurricane Melissa: ‘We’ve never seen anything like this’
17:00
,
Isabel Keane
Britons have spoken of their fears for relatives in Jamaica after the “storm of the century” barrelled through the Caribbean island, leaving a trail of flood and destruction.
Melissa struck Jamaica on Tuesday as the strongest-ever hurricane to directly hit its shores, with sustained winds of 185 mph. The category 5 storm battered hospitals, tore through an airport and swamped whole towns underwater, even unleashing the threat of displaced crocodiles.
The death toll climbed on Thursday with four fatalities confirmed as people dug from the rubble in the wake of the storm’s devastation. As the storm ploughed through the northern Caribbean on Wednesday and Thursday, a further 25 people were confirmed dead in Haiti.
More than 25,000 people remained crowded into shelters across the western half of Jamaica, with 77 per cent of the island without power. Tens of thousands of tourists remain stranded, including 8,000 Britons.
Bermuda to close schools and ferries ahead of storm's impact
16:30
,
Isabel Keane
Bermuda will close its sole airport Thursday night as well as all schools and ferries on Friday “out of an abundance of caution,” National Security Minister Michael Weeks said.
“I implore all residents to remain vigilant while we navigate another natural threat to our way of life,” he said in a statement.
Residents are also urged to stay off the roads until further notice.
Melissa was barreling toward Bermuda Thursday morning after leaving a trail of destruction from Jamaica to Cuba and Haiti in its wake.
On board with the ‘Hurricane Hunters’ flying into the eye of a 185mph storm
16:00
,
Isabel Keane
Incredible footage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s "Hurricane Hunters" flying straight into the eye of Hurricane Melissa, with turbulence rocking the aircraft.
The crew on board NOAA's WP-3D Orion flew out to collect critical data that helps improve forecasts and research.
Hurricane Melissa began as a category 5 storm as it made landfall in Jamaica and weakened to Category 1 as it moved across the Bahamas. It is expected to pass near Bermuda.
Hurricane warning in effect as Melissa approaches Bermuda
15:17
,
Isabel Keane
Hurricane Melissa was about 515 miles southwest of Bermuda by 11 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm was churning northeast at 24mph, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph and even higher gusts.
Melissa is expected to continue moving northeast over the next few days, according to the NHC.
The center of Melissa is expected to pass to the northwest of Bermuda later Thursday evening.
A hurricane warning remains in effect for Bermuda.
Hurricane Melissa heads toward Bermuda, fueling downpours in northeast U.S.
15:08
,
Isabel Keane
Tropical moisture from Hurricane Melissa could bring some severe weather to the northeastern U.S., according to a report.
The Category 2 storm, headed toward Bermuda early Thursday, will likely bring downpours, strong to severe thunderstorms, and powerful winds to areas spanning from Washington, D.C., to Boston, according to the Washington Post.
Melissa was about 600 miles southwest of Bermuda with wind speeds of 105 mph, moving northeast at 21mph on Thursday.
It made landfall in the Bahamas on Wednesday evening as a Category 1 hurricane.
While the storm is tracking away from the Caribbean, its impacts are expected to last throughout the week.
Melissa could make a fourth and final landfall in Newfoundland late Friday or early Saturday, bringing heavy rain and winds and combining with another storm system impacting the North Atlantic.
No tropical storms or hurricanes are currently forecasted to develop immediately after Melissa. However, hurricane season in the Atlantic runs through the end of November.
Hurricane Melissa could make a fourth landfall
15:00
,
Isabel Keane
The powerful, record-breaking hurricane has made landfall three times so far in Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas.
Melissa landed in Western Jamaica, near New Hope, on Tuesday afternoon as a Category 5 storm.
It then hit Southeastern Cuba on Wednesday morning as a Category 3 storm. On Wednesday afternoon, it hit the Bahamas, near Clarence Town, as a Category 1 storm.
Melissa is forecast to pass to the northwest of Bermuda late Thursday moving into Friday.
The storm also has the potential to pass or make landfall in Newfoundland, Canada, on Friday or Saturday.
U.S. is prepared to offer humanitarian aid to Cuba
14:37
,
Isabel Keane
The U.S. is ready to offer “immediate humanitarian aid” to the people of Cuba who have been affected by Hurricane Melissa, Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X Thursday.
Rubio did not specify what type of aid or provide any additional details.
Recovery efforts underway in Cuba
14:30
,
Isabel Keane
Recovery efforts were underway in Cuba Thursday morning as people began to clear blocked-off roads and the military rescued people trapped in isolated communities.
At least 241 communities were isolated and without communications, affecting as many as 140,000 people, according to Reuters.
Authorities evacuated around 735,000 people across eastern Cuba who were slowly starting to return home Thursday.
No fatalities have been reported.
Aerial images show devastation in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
14:00
,
Isabel Keane
U.S. military will help with disaster relief efforts in Jamaica
13:52
,
Isabel Keane
The State Department has asked the U.S. military to help with disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa, officials said Wednesday.
The mission will likely include airlifts of food, water and other supplies to remote parts that have been cut off from the rest of the island.
A person familiar with the efforts told the New York Times that the military’s Joint Task Force-Bravo was on standby. The unit has experience in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.
Jamaica and Haiti have formally requested disaster aid from the U.S., and the government of the Bahamas has requested air support, according to the report.
Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport to close early as winds expected to strengthen to hurricane force overnight
13:23
,
Isabel Keane
Bermuda’s only airport will close early Thursday, “as a safety precaution,” as Hurricane Melissa accelerates and is set to pass the northwest of the island.
L.F. Wade International Airport will close at 6:00 p.m. local time, the government of Bermuda wrote on social media.
“Skyport expects to reopen the airport on Friday, October 31, pending a middday assessment of the facility. The public will be advised once the airport is cleared to resume operations,” officials said.
Travelers are encouraged to check directly with their airlines for updates on any scheduled flights.
“Bermuda remains under a Hurricane Warning, with conditions expected to deteriorate this evening as winds strengthen to hurricane force overnight,” officials added.
Tui cancels all departures to Jamaica up to 9 November
13:01
,
Simon Calder
Europe’s biggest holiday company, Tui, will not send any customers to Jamaica for at least 10 more days.
The firm has cancelled all package holidays to the hurricane-ravaged island departing up to and including Sunday 9 November 2025 – saying “We can’t guarantee the holiday experience for customers.”
Tui has an estimated 1,400 passengers waiting to be flown home from Montego Bay after their UK-bound flights were cancelled.
On Wednesday the company flew empty aircraft out to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. They are on standby to fly in to Jamaica to operate an airlift for stranded travellers.
A spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to assess the full impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the extent of the damage to local infrastructure including resorts, roads and airports.
“Our teams on the ground are working hard to support customers and ensure they have access to food, water and essential items. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues remain our primary concern and we ask them to continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams.
“We understand that this is a challenging and unsettling time, and we’d like to thank customers for their understanding as this situation evolves.”
Jamaica's PM shares videos of devastation
12:40
,
Maira Butt
Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness shared videos of devastation as he took an aerial survey of the worst-hit areas.
“The damage is great, but we are going to devote all our energy to mount a strong recovery,” he said.
I am now in St Elizabeth and images of destruction are all around.
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 29, 2025
The damage is great, but we are going to devote all our energy to mount a strong recovery. pic.twitter.com/s7P31ytXzm
I am now in St James where we are continuing our damage assessment.
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 29, 2025
The residents here have suffered significant damage including severe flooding.
Despite the difficulties the Jamaican spirit shines through as a strong reminder that we are a resilient nation with the capacity to… pic.twitter.com/dPDL8Evjnb
UK charters flights to help British nationals leave Jamaica following the impact of Hurricane Melissa
12:15
,
Maira Butt
The UK government is chartering flights to help stranded British nationals leave Jamaica, following the devastation wreaked by the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa.
“The strong links between the UK and Jamaica mean many British nationals were there during the devastation of the hurricane, and we need to ensure they can get safely home, as we know how worrying and difficult the last few days will have been,” said foreign secretary Yvette Cooper on Thursday.
“The UK government is chartering flights to bolster commercial capacity and ensure people who wish to return to the UK can do so as soon as possible.”
Advice on the government’s website reads: “All British nationals who have already registered via the Register Your Presence portal will automatically be contacted and provided with a link to the booking portal once airports are open. If you are a British national in Jamaica wanting to leave on a flight and have not already registered your presence, you should do so immediately. “
The statement adds: “We will prioritise those who are most vulnerable, for example those with medical needs and children, in allocating seats on the flight. The cost of a seat will be based on standard commercial rates.”
Starmer says scenes from Hurricane Melissa ‘truly shocking’ as he pledges support
12:00
,
Maira Butt
The UK is supporting Jamaica with £2.5m in emergency humanitarian funding after Hurricane Melissa, as Sir Keir Starmer described scenes from the country as "truly shocking".
British experts are also heading to the region to help co-ordinate and deliver aid.
The King on Wednesday said he was "deeply concerned" by the destruction and described it as a reminder of the "urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of nature".
Islands across Caribbean left reeling from Hurricane Melissa aftermath
11:37
,
Maira Butt
Holly Patrick reports:
Dramatic video shows how Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti this week.
The powerful storm made landfall in Jamaica, registering as a category 5 hurricane.
Authorities in Haiti said at least 25 people, including children, have been killed. In Jamaica, eight deaths have been confirmed, while one fatality has been reported in the Dominican Republic, bringing the current known death toll across the Caribbean to 34. Cuba has yet to report casualties but has suffered widespread destruction.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday before hitting Haiti and moving through the Bahamas.
Where is Hurricane Melissa right now?
11:20
,
Maira Butt
As of 0900 GMT, Melissa was packing winds of near 105 miles per hour (165km/h) as it approached Bermuda according to the National Hurricane Centre.
It is expected to reached Bermudans by evening, and is currently around 700 miles (1,100km) from the country.
Watch: Satellite imagery shows Jamaica before and after the devastation of Hurricane Melissa
11:00
,
Maira Butt
Jamaica faces 'deep humanitarian challenge', warn relief agencies
10:38
,
Maira Butt
Relief agencies have warned that Hurricane Melissa has caused unprecedented damage across the Caribbean. The aftermath of the devastating storm is still being assessed.
“In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica faces a deep humanitarian challenge,” Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities told The Independent.
“Across the island, families are living without power or clean water, farmers are working to salvage what remains of their crops, and communities remain cut off as recovery begins.”
The charity currently has aid prepositioned in Florida and have deployed to the Caribbean to distribute aid.
“The urgent needs include emergency shelter for displaced people, clean water and hygiene supplies, rapid support to health facilities, and logistical capacity to reach isolated communities,” she continued.
“Early reports indicate significant damage to homes, hospitals, schools, and roads across southwestern Jamaica. The full extent of the impact remains unclear, as authorities are waiting for conditions to improve before beginning assessments and search and rescue efforts.”
In pictures: Hurricane Melissa leaves catastrophic devastation across Jamaica
10:12
,
Maira Butt
At least four people have been killed in Jamaica as the country reels from the after-effects of the devastating storm.
The British Red Cross said that early indications confirmed that the disaster had been an “unprecedented catastrophe” for the island.
“Whole communities are under water and the damage left by the strong winds has been devastating,” said Alexander Pendry, global response manager at the British Red Cross.
Climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely, study estimates
09:53
,
James Reynolds
Climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely, a study by scientists at Imperial College London has estimated.
The researchers found that climate change, caused primarily by the burning of oil, gas and coal, had boosted Melissa’s wind speed by 7% (18kph/11mph).
Imperial researchers estimated that in a world without climate change, a weaker hurricane would have been about 12% less damaging.
Storms will get worse with climate change, expert warns
09:40
,
James Reynolds
Storms will continue to grow stronger and more destructive as a result of climate change, a climate expert has warned in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation of the Caribbean.
Professor Ralf Toumi, Director of the Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, said: “Man-made climate change clearly made Hurricane Melissa stronger and more destructive. These storms will become even more devastating in the future if we continue overheating the planet by burning fossil fuels.
“Jamaica had plenty of time and experience to prepare for this storm, but there are limits to how countries can prepare and adapt.
“Adaptation to climate change is vital but it is not a sufficient response to global warming. The emission of greenhouse gases also has to stop.”
Where is Hurricane Melissa now?
09:25
,
James Reynolds
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday before hitting Haiti and moving through the Bahamas.
Our interactive tracker follows the storm as it moves north:
The deadly combination that made Hurricane Melissa so devastating
09:10
,
James Reynolds
Experts say that the storm’s powerful winds and its slow pace, likely exacerbated by climate change, have allowed a huge hurricane to linger in the region for maximum damage.
Read the full story:
WATCH: Moment Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba
08:55
,
James Reynolds
Satellite imagery captured the moment that Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba:
Flooding could last for days
08:40
,
James Reynolds
Hurricane Melissa’s strong winds have calmed somewhat during its advance across Jamaica, Cuba and Hispaniola, but flooding could persist for days, the Weather Channel warns.
Heavy rain is expected to continue to fall in Hispaniola, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos through Thursday, resulting in ‘life-threatening’ flooding, the channel said.
Hurricane conditions could develop in Bermuda today, but are likely to have diminished by Friday morning.
Have you been affected?
08:25
,
James Reynolds
Have you been affected by Hurricane Melissa? Contact james.reynolds@independent.co.uk
Dozens dead and homes destroyed as Hurricane Melissa leaves trail of destruction across the Caribbean
08:10
,
James Reynolds
Communities across the northern Caribbean were grappling on Thursday with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as the death toll from the catastrophic storm continues to climb.
Government workers and residents are clearing roads in a push to reach isolated communities, which sustained a direct hit from one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record.
Read the full story:
Hurricane Melissa estimated to have cost $50bn in damages
07:54
,
James Reynolds
Hurricane Melissa will cost an estimated $48-52bn in damages and economic losses, American forecaster AccuWeather said in a preliminary assessment on Thursday.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said: “The loss of tourism and disruptions to business will be felt for years. Extensive work is needed to repair or rebuild critical infrastructure from the winds, storm surge, flooding and mudslides.
“In the hardest hit communities, the recovery will take years, even a decade or more. Virtually the entire economy of Jamaica has been impacted by this hurricane."
Hundreds left homeless in southern Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
07:47
,
Shweta Sharma
Stunned residents in southern Jamaica were seen walking through the wreckage of their homes after Hurricane Melissa tore through the island, leaving widespread devastation in its wake.
In the town of Lacovia, in St Elizabeth parish, many people were left without shelter or belongings as floodwaters receded.
“I don’t have a house now,” said Sylvester Guthrie, a sanitation worker clutching his bicycle – the only possession he managed to save.
“I have land in another location that I can build back, but I am going to need help.”
Authorities say hundreds of homes across the region have been damaged or destroyed, with many residents appealing for assistance as recovery efforts continue.
US embassy in Jamaica says it is responding to storm in Haiti, Cuba and Bahamas
07:23
,
Shweta Sharma
The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica said president Donald Trump had authorised an immediate response to Hurricane Melissa, directing the Department of State to mobilize support for affected communities.
It said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had deployed a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team, including urban search-and-rescue teams, to assess needs and provide assistance.
It said the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and the Ian Fleming International Airport serving Ocho Rios were being opened on Thursday morning.
Hurricane Melissa tracker: Where will storm head next after devastating Cuba and Jamaica?
06:54
,
Shweta Sharma
Hurricane Melissa has moved towards the Bahamas after hitting eastern Cuba with devastating winds of 120mph and leaving a trail of destruction in Jamaica.
The “storm of the century” is one of the most powerful in Atlantic history, and the most forceful hurricane to ever hit Jamaica.
A “dangerous storm surge” is expected in the Bahamas on Wednesday night as the National Hurricane Centre warns residents to remain sheltered.
Hurricane Melissa began as a tropical wave near West Africa, before gaining traction and blowing westward to the Caribbean.
Michigan tourist recounts sheltering in closet when Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica
06:45
,
Shweta Sharma
A Michigan travel agent who was vacationing in Jamaica described taking cover in a hotel closet as Hurricane Melissa made landfall on the island as a category 5 storm on Tuesday.
Amanda Tessoff, from Highland Township, said she initially was not concerned about the storm after having experienced Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica last year.
But Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, brought destructive winds and flooding across the island.
“You could just feel the walls vibrating, and that really scared me,” Tessoff told CBS News Detroit. “I was thinking what happens if this whole building comes tumbling down.”
Tessoff said water was dripping from the walls and seeping through air conditioning panels, adding that the room smelled of burning chemicals.
Nearly 100 guests at the resort have since been moved into one building, where they still have electricity and are being served hot meals while awaiting updates on when they can return home.
Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica with top winds of 185mph (295kph) before weakening and moving toward Cuba and the Bahamas.
Jamaica's PM shares videos of devastation
06:30
,
Shweta Sharma
Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness shared videos of devastation as he took an aerial survey of the worst-hit areas.
“The damage is great, but we are going to devote all our energy to mount a strong recovery,” he said.
I am now in St Elizabeth and images of destruction are all around.
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 29, 2025
The damage is great, but we are going to devote all our energy to mount a strong recovery. pic.twitter.com/s7P31ytXzm
I am now in St James where we are continuing our damage assessment.
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 29, 2025
The residents here have suffered significant damage including severe flooding.
Despite the difficulties the Jamaican spirit shines through as a strong reminder that we are a resilient nation with the capacity to… pic.twitter.com/dPDL8Evjnb
In pictures: Jamaica assesses scale of Hurricane Melissa devastation
06:15
,
Shweta Sharma
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica at its peak as a category 5 storm, triggering landslides, ripping off roofs, flooding streets, and collapsing houses.
A landslide blocked the main roads in Santa Cruz, in Jamaica’s St Elizabeth parish, where the streets were reduced to mud pits.
Residents swept water from their homes as they tried to salvage their belongings. Powerful winds tore part of the roof off a high school being used as a public shelter.
Melissa hit Jamaica with winds of 185mph (295kph) – one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record – before weakening and moving on to Cuba. Even countries outside the storm’s direct path felt its devastating effects.
