A powerful tropical storm known as Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified in the Caribbean, heading toward Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic with catastrophic potential. Sustained winds have already surpassed 145 mph (about 230 kph), classifying the system as a Category 4 hurricane, and meteorologists – including the U.S. National Hurricane Center – warn it may strengthen to Category 5 before making landfall.
Some regions of Jamaica may receive up to 40 inches (1 metre) of rain, accompanied by storm surges of up to 13 feet (4 metres) on the southern coast. The slow forward movement of the storm – at times as low as 1–5 mph – raises the risk of prolonged rainfall, flash floods and landslides.
The storm has forced urgent action across the Caribbean. Jamaica has closed its two major international airports and activated more than 650 emergency shelters. Officials are calling for evacuations in low-lying coastal areas and emphasising that the coming days will “rapidly deteriorate” into extreme weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are already counting casualties – at least four people dead – with homes damaged, communities isolated and food-insecure regions hit by the storm’s outer bands.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Warnings for Visitors
Travel to the Caribbean is being severely disrupted as airlines cancel flights, hotels suspend operations, and tourist destinations shut down ahead of Melissa’s arrival. Jamaica’s leading resorts, cultural markets and transportation hubs are preparing for extended downtime. Tourists with upcoming plans to visit Jamaica, Haiti or the Dominican Republic are being advised to postpone journeys until conditions stabilise. Those already in the region should monitor advisories, follow instructions from hotel and local authorities, and maintain flexible travel schedules.
Tour operators note that the storm’s impact is not limited to weather – it affects travel budgets, itinerary planning and safe transit. Even once the storm passes, flood-related damage to roads, airports and utilities may delay the resumption of normal operations for several days. Visitors should expect renovations, temporary closures and possible rerouting of services until infrastructure is restored.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Travel in 2025
For the travel industry, Hurricane Melissa serves as a stark reminder of how climate-linked phenomena such as slow-moving systems are increasing risk in popular destinations. The unusually sluggish pace of Melissa is part of a broader pattern: storms that stall over a region produce more rainfall and longer disruption windows. Tourism stakeholders are already laying out recovery plans, working with local emergency services and reviewing protocols to ensure guest safety and business continuity.
As the storm rages, travellers and tourism professionals alike will be watching the recovery efforts closely. The ability of airports, hotels and tour operators to resume normal operations will shape the outlook for the broader region’s travel season. In the meantime, anyone considering travel to the impacted islands must remain cautious, prioritise flexibility and stay apprised of the evolving situation.
