Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 4 storm Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, as it moved slowly toward Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm, packing sustained winds of about 140 mph, is expected to bring life-threatening winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall to parts of the northern Caribbean through early next week.

Melissa formed from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of West Africa in mid-October and developed into a tropical storm on Oct. 21. Over the weekend, the system rapidly intensified over the central Caribbean, prompting hurricane warnings for Jamaica and southeastern Cuba, and a hurricane watch for Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The NHC said the hurricane’s slow movement increases the risk of prolonged rainfall and flooding. Forecast models project rainfall totals of up to 40 inches in some areas, with flash floods and landslides likely in mountainous terrain. “The entire island will be impacted,” Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management said in a statement Sunday, urging residents in coastal and flood-prone areas to evacuate.

In Haiti, officials reported at least three deaths related to flooding and structural collapses as the storm’s outer bands reached the country’s southern region. The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center said several homes were damaged and power outages were reported in multiple provinces.

Forecasters expect Melissa to maintain major hurricane strength as it nears Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday before turning northwest toward southeastern Cuba. Storm surge of up to 13 feet is possible along Jamaica’s southern coast, and large swells are expected to affect nearby islands, including the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, later in the week.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually active, with several systems undergoing rapid intensification fueled by warm sea surface temperatures. Authorities across the Caribbean have urged residents to monitor official advisories and complete preparations before conditions deteriorate.

The Virgin Islands is expected to experience dangerously hot and humid conditions through Saturday, with temperatures in the low 90s but heat index values reaching as high as 105 degrees, officials said Wednesday.

The forecast, issued Sept. 10 at 7 a.m., warns of a high risk for children, older adults and outdoor workers. Health authorities urged residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, using air conditioning or other cooling devices, and limiting strenuous activity during midday hours.

Officials also reminded the public to keep pets safe and to call emergency services if someone shows signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, fainting or high fever.

The Virgin Islands Department of Disaster Management (DDM) announced Friday, September 5, that it is closely monitoring Invest 91L, a weather disturbance located about 2,000 miles east-southeast of the Territory. Officials said the system could strengthen into at least a tropical depression by this weekend or early next week.

The exact track and intensity of Invest 91L remain uncertain, but projections suggest the system could affect the Virgin Islands late next week into the weekend. DDM urged residents to remain alert and prepare for possible impacts.

“Residents are advised to stay informed by following official updates from the Department of Disaster Management and the National Hurricane Centre,” the agency said in a statement. “It is also important to check emergency supplies, including food, water, medications, batteries, and important documents.”

Officials emphasised that Invest 91L remains far from the Territory but cautioned that it has the potential to develop into a tropical storm as it moves westward across the Atlantic. Residents are encouraged to avoid unverified information and rely on trusted sources for updates.