Hurricane Melissa: Meet Olympian Dawn Harper-Nelson Who Is Facing Jamaica's Storm Of The Century

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, and it has been labeled as the 'Storm of the century', 'Jamaica's strongest storm', and 'Catastrophic storm of the year 2025'. While some people may think it's an exaggeration, unfortunately, it isn't. Hurricane Melissa has 'Category 5' intensity with sustained winds up to the scary mark of 185 mph (roughly around 298 km/h). Not only this, the catastrophic storm also holds the record-low central pressure of 892 millibars.

Hurricane Melissa slams Jamaica: Category 5 monster sparks US East Coast warnings and global ripple effects

In light of such threatening numbers, several meteorologists have admitted that it is one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. According to the latest reports on Hurricane Melissa, it has unleashed a 9-13-foot storm surge and torrential rainfall of 15-40 inches (380-1000 mm) in Jamaica's mountain regions, near New Hope. As of now, at least three people have died in Jamaica, while the wider Caribbean death toll has reached seven or more. The slow-moving storm at times is advancing at just 5mph, which raises the risk of prolonged flooding and landslides.

Talking about the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the US, even though there won’t be a direct landfall, the ripple effects will surely be felt. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has already warned US citizens of possible tropical-storm conditions along the East Coast. In addition to the advisory, NHC has also warned of dangerous rip currents, offshore marine hazards, and beach erosion. US military and humanitarian assets have already moved to Jamaica and neighbouring islands to extend support.

Hurricane Melissa heads toward Cuba and the Bahamas as Olympian Dawn Harper-Nelson shares her stranded experience in Jamaica

Regarding Hurricane Melissa's path, it is expected to clip eastern Cuba next, then target the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos. The evacuations have already been ordered in Jamaica and Cuba, as the catastrophic storm will test the resilience of these islands to climate-driven extremes. Amid all the buzz about Hurricane Melissa, former American athlete Dawn Harper-Nelson took to Instagram to confirm that she is in Jamaica with her husband, Alonzo Nelson, for a business meeting. Along with the video, she penned a caption, and it can be read as:

"This business trip turned into a whole Hurricane Category 5. We wanted to make the video to say we are ok and thank God we are together. Next few days will be filled with adventure."

Stranded but strong: Olympian Dawn Harper-Nelson shares emotional update as Hurricane Melissa nears landfall

Due to hazardous weather, Olympic gold medalist, Dawn Harper-Nelson's flight was cancelled, after which she and her husband, Alonzo Nelson, decided to be in Jamaica for the next few days. The former athlete has been posting informative videos about Hurricane Melissa on her Instagram account. A few hours ago, Dawn Harper shared a video of her and her husband inside their new shelter, gearing up for Hurricane Melissa. Along with the video, they penned a heartfelt note, and it can be read as:

"Emotions are high and it's suppose to hit land in the next hour or less. I wanted to say we are ok and @mrdothework found us better "hunkering down" quarters. All 14 of us! We will be ok and God has us. Keep praying for us. We know the power of prayer."

Tourists trapped in chaos: British holidaymaker describes terrifying moments as Hurricane Melissa batters Jamaica

According to the latest updates on Hurricane Melissa, it has slammed into Jamaica, and pictures and videos from Montego Bay have already terrified people around the world. From downed tree branches to hoarding frames collapsing, people should be prepared for the worst and keep their spirits high in this tough time. A woman named Emma, from Essex, England, came to Jamaica for a holiday and is now witnessing Hurricane Melissa from her hotel in Montego Bay. In a conversation with the BBC, Emma said this about the situation in Montego Bay:

"We moved to a safe room as the children were petrified. The windows have been blown through, and the staff are working furiously to make us safe. We have all just moved to another room in the building as the glass in the lobby is unsafe. We are all terrified."

We hope Jamaica, Cuba, and the other islands in Hurricane Melissa's path can weather it. Our prayers are with the people of the targeted areas.

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