Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm of 2025, is approaching Jamaica's southern coastline with landfall anticipated late Tuesday morning. However, the exact moment of landfall is not the most critical factor, as the storm's destructive effects, including hazardous winds, torrential rainfall, and storm surge, have already begun impacting the region hours before the eye touches down.
Moving slowly at about 2 mph in a north-northwest direction, Melissa's slow progression means that dangerous conditions will persist for an extended period, causing prolonged exposure to flooding, high winds, and possible landslides.
Residents and authorities in Jamaica are preparing for sustained severe weather and flooding throughout the day, emphasizing that the storm's impact cannot be measured merely by the landfall time but by the entire duration of its presence.
Emergency measures and evacuations are in place to reduce risks to life and property, with officials warning citizens to follow safety protocols closely as Melissa bears down on the island.