Hurricane Melissa leaves Caribbean ‘unrecognizable’ as dead animals litter roads and storm barrels toward the Bahamas

A resident of Santa Cruz in the Jamaican parish of St. Elizabeth told the Jamaica Observer his hometown is ‘unrecognizable.’

‘What we went through last night, yesterday is beyond what we would have imagined no matter how badly we could think things would have gone,’ he said.

‘There are parts of my town that I cannot recognize. There are roads that are no longer roads. So many persons have lost their houses, so many people have lost motor vehicles, animals, businesses have been destroyed, roofs have just take off.’

Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s information minister, said Hurricane Melissa knocked out power to 77 percent of the country, according to The New York Times.

‘I know so many people have said they cannot reach their families in western Jamaica. That’s because of damage to the telecoms infrastructure,’ she said.

‘We know that it’s western Jamaica that has the brunt of the impact. We will have to give you that in the coming days,’ she said, adding that Central Jamaica had ‘a lot of damage, a lot of flooding.’

Devastating photos show floodwaters covering houses in St. Elizabeth and damaged infrastructure.

King Charles said he was ‘deeply concerned and profoundly saddened’ by the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in a post on X.

He said had the ‘greatest affection’ for Jamaica and knew that ‘no disaster can break her people’s enduring spirit of strength, solidarity and steadfastness.’

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie announced that four people were killed during the hurricane.

Four people, three men and one woman, were confirmed dead by the police in St. Elizabeth.

‘They were discovered after being washed up by the flood waters generated by the Hurricane. These persons are, by all indications, direct victims of the Hurricane, and I am hoping that there will be no more fatalities,’ he said.

‘This is therefore a deeply regrettable development, and the Government expresses sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims.’

Shocking before and after comparison photos show the devastation brought by Hurricane Melissa in Black River, Jamaica.

The top image was taken on February 9, and the bottom photos was captured today.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness posted on X that he has arrived in St. Elizabeth to survey the damage from Hurricane Melissa.

‘I am now in St Elizabeth and images of destruction are all around,’ he said. ‘The damage is great, but we are going to devote all our energy to mount a strong recovery.’

Black River Mayor Richard Solomon said ‘catastrophic is a mild term’ to describe the damage done to his coastal Jamaica town.

‘The conditions here are devastating, catastrophic is a mild term based on what we are observing here,’ Solomon said in a video posted by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

‘The hospital is totally devastated. When I say we are immobile, police units are down, all the units at the EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) are down because they would have been covered with water throughout the hurricane.

‘So at this point in time we’re unable to do any rescuing. We’re unable to respond. So we are trying to let everybody know that the situation here is devastating. We need all the help that we can and conditions are going to deteriorate as the day progresses because persons are feeling it already.’

Jamaica’s Health Ministry put out a statement urging blood donations as supplies run low after Hurricane Melissa.

‘We are urging all Jamaicans who are able to give blood. Your donation can save lives, especially at a time when hospitals are still in emergency mode and every unit counts,’ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie said.

According to the National Blood Transfusion Service, the hurricane disrupted normal collection and storage operations across several parishes.

Hurricane Melissa caused ‘incalculable’ damage from major flooding, overflowing rivers and landslides, according to NBC Havana.

Speaking at the United Nations, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the island is dealing with the hurricane aftermath ‘with virtually no resources.’

The US Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, issued a boil water advisory on Wednesday.

‘Due to a water main break across the installation, a boil water advisory is in effect for personnel located on Windward side of NSGB,’ the base said.

‘Only use bottled water for cooking, consuming, and hygiene purposes until further notice.’

Jamaica’s Ministry of Health & Wellness announced that hospitals are open to emergency care patients, with at least three unable to accept new patients.

Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover and Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny have been ‘severely impacted’ and are not accepting patients.

The Ministry also noted that all health centers are closed until further notice.

Keitho Nembhard, a manager at the Grand Palladium Hotel in Lucea, Jamaica, told CNN that Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage.

‘The devastation around is significant. Lots of downed trees, lots of debris, damage to properties, lots of roofs have blown off,’ he said.

‘It was very frightening. You could see massive waves, coming ashore, high as between 13 to 15 feet. Lots of water falling around us. But what we saw during that was our team members and our management team stood firm, trying to ensure some level of safety and security for everyone involved as we hunkered down and supported each other.’

The manager said himself, other staffers and around 700 guests sheltered at the hotel during the storm.

‘What I’m seeing currently is a resilient set of people, a lot of Jamaicans are out, assisting each other to rebuild the day after the storm,’ Nembhard said.

‘We are already rebuilding. We’re putting over Bob Marley music. We’re trying to work best to get through to our relatives and friends, and at the same time, we are holding together.

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa is at least 32, with people killed across Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

In Jamaica, three people were killed during storm preparations. Officials have yet to give an update on the death toll Wednesday.

In Haiti, at least 25 people were killed by floods, and the Haiti Civil Protection confirmed three other deaths.

In the Dominican Republic, one adult died after being sucked in a sewer while trying to clean it, the deputy director of the country’s emergency agency, Julian Garcia, told NBC News.

Leon Lundy, State Minister for the Disaster Risk Management Authority, said initial reports show 1,485 residents in the Bahamas were evacuated before all flights were suspended ahead of the approaching Hurricane Melissa.

‘This was one of the largest and most complex pre-landfall evacuation efforts in recent national history,’ he said.

Lundy advised those who did not evacuate to stay inside.

‘Heavy rainfall, gusty winds and power disruptions have been reported in parts of Inagua, Acklins, Crooked Island and Mayaguana,’ he said.

A Texas couple’s dream honeymoon has been turned upside-down after they learned Hurricane Melissa was rampaging their way.

Kasydee and Hunter Bishop, from Longview, got married on October 17 and traveled to a swanky resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, three days later to celebrate their vows.

After a few days of fun in Jamaica, the couple was set to return to the US – only to be told they could not leave.

As of 2pm ET, Hurricane Melissa was located about 110 miles south-southeast of the central Bahamas.

The National Hurricane Center said the storm is moving at 15mph and an accelerating northeastward motion is expected during the next few days.

‘On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to move across the southeastern or central Bahamas this afternoon and evening, and pass near or to the west of Bermuda late Thursday and Thursday night,’ the center said.

The National Hurricane Center warned that ‘damaging winds, flooding rains and a dangerous storm surge’ is expected in the Bahamas through tonight.

Hurricane Melissa is holding firm at a Category 2 ranking with maximum sustained winds of 110mph as it barrels towards the Bahamas with the possibility of some ‘slight strengthening.’

‘Over the Southeast Bahamas, storm total rainfall of 5 to 10 inches are expected today, which will result in areas of flash flooding,’ the center said.

‘Storm surge of 4 to 7 ft above normally dry ground is possible in the southeastern Bahamas today.’

Jamaican’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed on a social media that there have been no confirmed deaths on the island from Hurricane Melissa.

‘So far, there have been no confirmed reports of deaths, and we are thankful for that. Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue, restore, and bring relief where it’s needed most,’ he said.

‘Recovery will take time, but the Government is fully mobilized. Relief supplies are being prepared, and we are doing everything possible to restore normalcy quickly. To every Jamaican, hold strong. We will rebuild, we will recover.’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that the US government has been in contact with the governments of countries impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

‘The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa,’ he said.

‘We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean.’

The Jamaica Constabulary Force, the island’s national police force, issued a statement warning about hurricane relief scammers.

‘Scammers don’t take a break, not even after a hurricane,’ the force said. ‘Donate smart. Verify before you give.’

A major of flights in and out of the Turks and Caicos main international airport, Providenciales International Airport, were canceled today.

Hurricane Melissa is forecasted to bring tropical storm conditions to the area, including strong winds and heavy rain, as well as a storm surge of 4 to 7 feet.

Desmond McKenzie, Minister for Local Government and Community Development, said that three babies were born in the country during Hurricane Melissa.

‘You know, Jamaicans, in the middle of all of this, a baby was safely delivered under emergency conditions,’ he said. ‘So, we have a Gilbert baby, a Melissa baby.’

‘One mother is resting comfortably, while the other remained under observation at Sav-la-mar Hospital.

‘We are a great country, and despite our challenges we rise to the occasion.’

Governor of Granma Province, Yanetsy Terry Gutiérrez, shared harrowing images of devastation brought by Hurricane Melissa.

‘As in all of the east and #Cuba, it has been an endless night and early morning in #ProvinciaGranma due to the passage of,’ she said on X.

Hurricane specialist John Morales appeared on South Florida’s NBC6 Tuesday to give an update about the storm’s conditions when he uttered the blasphemous remarks.

A tropical storm warning has been issued in waters surrounding parts of Florida, as Hurricane Melissa moves northeast in the Atlantic Ocean.

The storm, currently northeast of Jamaica, is generating strong winds and rough seas that are expected to impact Florida’s Panhandle and southeast coast, the National Weather Service (NWS) said in a Wednesday morning update.

JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes enjoyed their first official holiday together as a couple as they stayed at the lavish Sandals Royal Bahamian resort despite Hurricane Melissa heading to the country.

The popular city of Montego Bay, Jamaica, has been split in two by floodwaters, according to mayor Richard Vernon.

‘Once the wind subsided, we started to get a lot of heavy rain and that has led to massive floods right across the city,’ he told BBC.

‘One side of the city is now cut off from the other due to roads being inundated by flood water.’

Michael Brennan, director of the US National Hurricane Center, warned that Melissa is growing.

‘The storm is growing in size,’ he said, adding that Melissa’s winds are extending almost 200 miles from the center. ‘People should be in their safe shelter.’

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to move through southeastern Bahamas later Wednesday, generating up to 7 feet of storm surge in the area.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on social media that Wednesday morning has been ‘very complex.’

‘Considerable damage, and the hurricane #Melissa is still over Cuban territory,’ he said.

‘I ask our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline and continue well protected. As soon as conditions allow, we will proceed to recovery. We are ready.’

Desmond McKenzie, Minister for Local Government and Community Development, said that Jamaica is ‘not in a position to make an official statement on deaths.’

‘We have not had alerts of any deaths so far. So we cannot presume that there are deaths,’ he said.

The Miami Heat announced that, in partnership with the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and Carnival Cruise Line, it would donate $1 million to recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank also announced through his foundation that he is donating $1.5 million to World Central Kitchen and $1 million to Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, to help those impacted by the storm.

‘While the road ahead will be long, our hearts are with those affected, and we hope our support brings comfort and strength along the way,’ Blank said.

Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s information minister, said Hurricane Melissa knocked out power to 77 percent of the country, according to The New York Times.

‘I know so many people have said they cannot reach their families in western Jamaica. That’s because of damage to the telecoms infrastructure,’ she said.

‘We know that it’s western Jamaica that has the brunt of the impact. We will have to give you that in the coming days,’ she said, adding that Central Jamaica had ‘a lot of damage, a lot of flooding.’

FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross told the Daily Mail that Jamaica is still under threat from Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath.

‘Devastation in Jamaica is widespread from the wind, torrential rain, and the storm surge – the Caribbean water pushed over the shoreline and into communities along the coast,’ Norcross said.

‘The flood threat continues as rainwater that fell on the mountains channels into rivers and streams as it flows toward the Caribbean.’

Norcross also noted the storm is bound for the Bahamas and Bermuda with dangerous winds.

‘Melissa passed over eastern Cuba this morning with winds of over 100 mph. The Southeastern Bahamas are the next in line,’ he said.

‘The hurricane is forecast to slowly weaken, but some Bahamian islands could experience high-end Category 2 winds of about 110 mph this afternoon and this evening.

‘By late tonight, Melissa will be heading out to sea. Bermuda will get at least a side swipe late tomorrow or early Friday.’

Hurricane Melissa is now offshore of east Cuba, and is moving towards the Bahamas and Bermuda, according to the 11am ET update from the National Hurricane Center.

The Meteorological Service of Bermuda has issued a Hurricane Warning for the island as Melissa is forecast to bring damaging winds and floods.

‘Bermuda preparations should be underway and be completed before anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous,’ the center said.

Hurricane Melissa caused a roof in the waiting lounge of Sangster International Airport in Jamaica’s Montego Bay to collapse as water flowed underneath the seats.

The airport has been temporarily closed since Sunday as the island nation braced for the devastating storm.

Cuban families surveyed the damage of Hurricane Melissa in the Santiago de Cuba province on Wednesday.

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa is rapidly increasing after Haitian officials announced at least 25 people were killed when a river overflowed during the storm.

Jean Bertrand Subrème, mayor of the southern Haitian coastal town of Petit-Goâve, told The Associated Press that 25 people died after La Digue river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes.

‘I am overwhelmed by the situation,’ he said, noting that dozens of homes collapsed and people are still trapped in the rubble.

The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, according to the agency.

The center forecasted that Turks and Caicos could receive rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, and large swells generated by Melissa may cause ‘life-threatening surf and rip current conditions’ off the islands.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has told the nation that Melissa remains a threat across the island today.

In his latest bulletin, Mr Holness said ‘intense rainbands associated with Melissa’ were still passing over Jamaica which may result in Tropical Storm conditions.

In his update, he said that ‘ongoing catastrophic flash flooding’ ‘numerous landslide and ‘large and destructive waves’ will continue today and into tonight.

Although damaging winds are gradually subsiding across Jamaica, Tropical Storm force wind conditions will persist over sections of northern parishes, while strong, gusty winds, at times reaching gale force, may still occur over some southern parishes.

Hurricane Melissa is causing river levels to rise and cutting off around 140,000 people, according to the Cuban government.

‘A total of 241 communities – home to over 140,000 people – are reported to be cut off,’ the government said in a statement to CNN.

Roads have been blocked in Contramaestre, north of where Melissa made landfall, while communities in Guaninao and Ruta Martina are isolated, according to the outlet.

The National Hurricane Center warned that although Jamaica discontinued its tropical storm warning, the island could still see effects from the weather.

‘Melissa is expected to bring an additional 3 to 6 inches across Jamaica, where storm total amounts will be between 12 to 24 inches,’ the center said.

‘Isolated areas near 30 inches will be possible over mountainous terrain. Ongoing catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides will continue today and into tonight.’

Additionally, the center said that swells generated by Melissa will continue to affect portions of Hispaniola, Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the Cayman Islands during
the next day or so, causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Hurricane Melissa is now a Category 2 storm, according to the 8am ET update from the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane categories range from 1 to 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale and are ranked by their sustained wind speed.

Melissa has a maximum sustained wind speed of 105mph, putting it firmly in the 2 category, which ranges from 96-110mph.

Footage has emerged from the eye of Hurricane Melissa after a specially adapted plane operated by the US Air Force hurricane hunters flew into the center of the storm.

Hurricane Melissa was the strongest to hit Jamaica in the island’s modern history.

The storm’s 185 mph (295 kph) winds and 892 millibars of central pressure tied two records for the strongest Atlantic storm on landfall.

The pressure – the key measurement meteorologists use – tied 1935’s Labor Day hurricane in Florida, while wind speed tied a 1935 hurricane and 2019’s Hurricane Dorian, said hurricane scientists Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University and Brian McNoldy of the University of Miami.

Jamaica’s top police officer is taking part in recovery work this morning as the nation realises the full scale of damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Dr Kevin Blake, Commissioner of Jamaica Constabulary Force, was filmed clearing trees from police HQ in Kingston.

Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, is leading from the front, helping to clear fallen trees from the driveway here at Headquarters. The Commissioner will get a firsthand look at the damage sustained and help chart the way forward.

It comes as Jamaican officials assess the full extent of damage caused by Melissa – the most powerful hurricane to ever strike the island.

Jamaican officials have confirmed that at least one person was killed as Hurricane Melissa ripped through the island.

A tree fell on an infant and killed the baby, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, a state minister in the prime minister’s office, told local radio station Nationwide News Network.

Fitz-Henley said most of the destruction is concentrated in Jamaica’s southwest and northwest regions, according to the Associated Press.

‘Take heart. It could have been worse,’ he said. ‘I know people have suffered significant devastation.’

‘We are aware of the dire straits which you find yourselves in this morning. We are moving quickly.’

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has now risen to eight, with four killed in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.

TikTok user Jourdain, who goes by the username @travelwithjourdain , has been documenting her time at a Sandals Resort in Jamaica’s South Coast as Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm.

Her posts received backlash, with many people bashing her for traveling to Jamaica in the first place as the storm headed towards the island.

Jamaica has been declared a ‘disaster area’ after Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc on the island leaving a trail of destruction.

Entire towns have been left underwater and tens of thousands of tourists remain trapped after Melissa, the most powerful storm in the Caribbean’s modern history, tore into the nation yesterday.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the island was a ‘disaster area’ as he seeks to ‘prevent any exploitation at a time when citizens are securing food, water and supplies’ in the midst of the tragedy.

The hurricane, which had top sustained wind speeds of 115 mph as it made its second landfall, is now expected to track towards the northeast, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Melissa will strike southeastern or central Bahamas as a strong Category 2 storm Wednesday, bringing a dangerous storm surge and strong gales.

The Bahamas could be pummeled with up to 10 inches of rain, which forecasters warn could trigger flash floods and landslides.

By Wednesday evening, Melissa is expected to continue northeast, accelerating over the open Atlantic Ocean, and strike Bermuda as a Category 1 hurricane on Thursday.

Pope Leo offered his thoughts and prayers for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

‘In recent days, Hurricane Melissa has struck Jamaica, a storm of catastrophic force that is causing severe flooding. At this very hour, it is crossing Cuba with devastating force. Thousands of people have been displaced, and homes, infrastructure, and several hospitals have been damaged,’ he said.

‘I assure everyone of my closeness, praying for those who have lost their lives, for those who are fleeing, and for those communities who, as they await the storm’s developments, are living through hours of anxiety and worry. I encourage the civil authorities to do everything possible. And I thank the Christian communities, together with volunteer organizations, for the assistance they are providing.’

Hurricane Melissa was moving across Cuba on Wednesday.

Authorities in Cuba had evacuated more than 735,000 people, President Miguel Díaz-Canel said.

Forecasters warned the storm would cause catastrophic damage in Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second-largest city, and nearby areas.

Hurricane Melissa pummeled Cuba early Wednesday after leaving a path of destruction across Jamaica, where 25,000 tourists remain stranded and entire towns were under water.

The ‘storm of the century’ could take days or even weeks to recover in the worst-hit parts of Jamaica, with landslides and fallen trees and power lines making it difficult for rescue crews to access some flood-ravaged regions.

Meanwhile in Cuba, as many as 735,000 residents heeded warnings from the nation’s president and emergency response crews as they fled their homes along the coast and mountainous regions in the path of the storm ahead of its arrival on Wednesday.

The US State Department announced it has deployed a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team and activated US-based Urban Search and Rescue teams to bolster response efforts.

‘These teams are working with affected countries and local communities to determine what assistance is needed and with interagency, international and US military partners to coordinate emergency response efforts,’ the department said.

Speaking with reporters onboard Air Force One as he finishes his visit to Asia, Donald Trump said he is prepared to offer assistance to Jamaica when cleanup efforts begin and the monumental task of rebuilding begins.

‘On a humanitarian basis, we have to, so we’re watching it closely,’ he said.

‘We’re prepared to move. It’s doing tremendous damages as we speak.’

Trump also marveled at the storm’s strength. It was a Category 5 when it made landfall in Jamaica – the worst the island has ever seen.

‘I’ve never seen that before. I guess it can get that high, but I’ve never seen it,’ he said.

Desmond McKenzie, Minister for Local Government and Community Development, said Jamaica ‘is not in a position to make an official statement on deaths.’

‘We have not had alerts of any deaths so far. So we cannot presume that there are deaths,’ he said.