Meteorological Service Urges Vigilance as Jamaica Braces for Tropical Storm Melissa
The Government of Jamaica, through the Meteorological Service, continues to monitor the development of Tropical Storm Melissa, which has shown a slight increase in forward speed as it moves slowly across the central Caribbean waters.
At a special press briefing yesterday (October 23, 2025) on national preparedness, Rohan Brown, Manager of Weather Services at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, provided an update on the system’s trajectory, potential impacts, and the national response underway.
Mr. Brown said, “At this time, the Meteorological Service continues to closely monitor Tropical Storm Melissa which has shown a slight increase in forward speed but remains a slow-moving system across the central Caribbean waters. As of 10:00 a.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Melissa was located near latitude 15.5° north, 74.9° west, or about 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. The system is moving slowly towards the northeast near 70 kilometres per hour and maximum sustained winds are up to 75 kilometres per hour with higher gusts.”
Mr. Brown confirmed that a Tropical Storm Warning and a Hurricane Watch are now in effect for Jamaica. This means that tropical storm conditions are likely within 36 hours and hurricane conditions, winds exceeding 119 kilometres per hour are possible within the next 48 hours.
He noted that while Melissa remains a tropical storm, “We just had a discussion with the National Hurricane Centre and coming out of that is that Melissa could become a major hurricane sitting south of Jamaica on the weekend, and that of course is something that we have to pay special attention to.”
Residents are advised to prepare for significant rainfall that could cause localized flooding and landslides, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Given the heavy rainfall in recent weeks, soil saturation increases the risk of rapid runoff and flooding. Tropical storm-force winds are expected Friday into the weekend, with the strongest winds likely on Saturday as Melissa potentially strengthens.
Mr. Brown stated, “Marine interests should expect widespread showers and thunderstorms accompanied by tropical storm-force winds today and continuing into the weekend. Winds reaching hurricane strength are likely on Saturday, particularly over southern and eastern offshore areas. We’re advising that all marine operators, including fishers on the keys and banks, should by now be in port, and we’re urging them to complete their necessary safety precautions without delay.”
In the meantime, Mr. Brown urges citizens to be vigilant, keep monitoring official updates from the Met Service, and to stay tuned to the Meteorological Service as their source of information.