Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm of the 2025 Atlantic season so far, struck eastern Cuba twice within just 14 hours—an almost unprecedented event that has left the island battered by destructive winds, torrential rain, and widespread flooding. The storm, which earlier devastated Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, made its second landfall in Cuba as a strong Category 3 with sustained winds of 120 mph, causing extensive damage to homes, roads, and power infrastructure.

Authorities in Cuba described the impact as “catastrophic” for eastern provinces, where many communities remain without power or communication. Satellite imagery and early drone footage show submerged towns and destroyed coastal roads as emergency crews scramble to reach isolated areas. While the storm has weakened slightly, its massive size and momentum continue to threaten the northern Caribbean as it tracks northeast toward the Bahamas.

Forecasters from the U.S. National Hurricane Center warn that Melissa could regain strength as it moves over warm Atlantic waters, with potential tropical storm impacts expected in parts of the Bahamas by late Friday. Early projections also indicate that portions of southern Florida may face heavy rain, coastal surges, and localized flooding if the storm maintains its current path.

In Washington, the Trump Administration swiftly announced humanitarian assistance to Jamaica, one of the hardest-hit nations during Melissa’s earlier phase as a Category 5 storm. U.S. officials emphasized the need for rapid regional cooperation to mitigate further devastation, citing the nation’s commitment to supporting Caribbean allies in times of crisis.

Economic experts note that past hurricanes following similar trajectories have caused multi-billion-dollar losses across the Caribbean and southeastern United States. Reconstruction efforts in Jamaica and Cuba are expected to be long and costly, as infrastructure damage continues to mount.

As the Bahamas brace for impact, evacuation orders are expanding, and U.S. emergency agencies remain on standby. With the Atlantic hurricane season entering its peak, Hurricane Melissa stands as a stark reminder of nature’s power—and the importance of preparation, resilience, and swift coordinated response.