On Monday, October 27, 2025, in its latest bulletin at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (0900 UTC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that Melissa has now become a Cat. 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h (minimum central pressure of 917 millibars).

The center of Hurricane Melissa was located at 16.4 degrees North latitude and 77.8 degrees West longitude, 625 km south of Port-au-Prince. A slow westward movement is expected today, followed by a turn to the north and northeast on Monday and Tuesday.

Melissa is moving slowly westward at nearly 3 mph (6 km/h). A slow turn toward the northwest and then the north is expected today and tonight, followed by an acceleration toward the northeast starting Tuesday and continuing at least through Thursday.

The Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM), in conjunction with the General Directorate of Civil Protection and the Permanent Secretariat for Risk Management, is maintaining a red alert for the South and Grand'Anse departments. The South-East, Nippes, West, and central plateau departments are also on orange alert.

Melissa is expected to bring an additional 8 to 16 inches (20 cm to 41 cm) of rainfall to southern Hispaniola through Wednesday, with possible local maximum totals of 40 inches (1 m).

Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and landslides are expected in southwestern Haiti and southern parts of the Dominican Republic through midweek. In Haiti, significant infrastructure damage and community isolation are likely. Tropical storm conditions are expected late Tuesday and Wednesday along Haiti's western coast. Note that tropical storm-force winds extend up to 195 miles (315 km) from Melissa's center.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Haiti.

Air Force Reserve hurricane-hunting aircraft data indicate maximum sustained winds have increased to near 160 mph (260 km/h) with higher gusts. Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Further strengthening is expected today. On the forecast track, the center of Melissa is expected to move near or over Jamaica tonight and Tuesday, cross southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and cross the southeastern Bahamas Wednesday, remaining at hurricane strength. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles (45 km) from Melissa's center.

Swells generated by Melissa are expected to affect portions of the coasts of Hispaniola, Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the Cayman Islands over the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult your local weather office for updates.

The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has prohibited all coastal shipping activities on Haiti's southern coastal area until further notice due to the proximity of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

Civil Protection Advice :

The Departmental Directorate of Civil Protection calls on the entire population of the affected departments to remain vigilant during this period, as there may be flooding. The Directorate asks the population not to cross any watercourses under any circumstances, not to tie up animals where the water could carry them away, not to stand on hills and bridges to observe flowing water, not to shelter from the rain under trees, not to go barefoot in the rain, and not to touch any electrically conductive objects during a storm. Store your important documents in a safe place to prevent them from getting wet. Remember to keep an eye on people in need of assistance so that they can move if necessary. Remain calm and listen to Civil Protection messages from reliable sources.

Haitian Diaspora :

Jamaica : (Hurricane Watch in effect)

Do not venture outside your safe haven. Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding, as well as numerous landslides, are likely from today through Tuesday. Damaging winds, particularly in the mountains, will begin by this evening, causing significant damage to infrastructure, prolonged power and communication outages, and community isolation. Life-threatening storm surge and large and destructive waves are expected along the southern coast through Tuesday.

Eastern Cuba : (Hurricane Watch in effect)

Heavy rains with life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are expected beginning today. Life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds are expected late Tuesday and Tuesday evening. Preparations should be completed quickly.

Southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands : (Hurricane Watch in effect)

Hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rain are possible Wednesday. Residents should follow the advice of local authorities and ensure preparations are completed by Tuesday evening.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46069-haiti-flash-melissa-has-become-a-cat-4-hurricane.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46067-haiti-hurricane-melissa-2-departments-on-red-alert.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46053-haiti-flash-melissa-promises-to-be-devastating-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46046-haiti-flash-melissa-risks-becoming-a-hurricane-5-departments-on-orange-alert.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46039-haiti-flash-storm-melissa-threatens-haiti-5-departments-on-yellow-alert.html

SL/ HaitiLibre