Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 storm on October 28, 2025, raising significant concern among Port St. Lucie residents with family on the island. The hurricane, described by the National Hurricane Center as “extremely dangerous,” has prompted both worry and action in the local Jamaican community.
Hurricane Melissa Causes Anxiety for Port St. Lucie Residents
Many Port St. Lucie residents with Jamaican roots have been closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa’s rapid strengthening and potential as a major hurricane near Jamaica. The main keyword, Hurricane Melissa, has become a focus of conversation as families await updates from loved ones in Jamaica.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica with catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and storm surge. The agency’s 11 a.m. update on October 28 warned that the storm was about to make landfall, bringing severe impacts to the island nation.
Local Families Share Concerns as Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica
Kallee Jackson, a Port St. Lucie resident originally from Manchester, Jamaica, expressed deep concern for her relatives still on the island. Jackson reported speaking with her nephew on the morning of October 28. “The electricity is out, and they’re boarded up, and right now it’s just a sitting game,” Jackson said, describing the tense wait for the storm to pass.
Jackson also highlighted the vulnerability of Jamaican infrastructure. “Buildings in Jamaica are not as equipped to withstand hurricanes as those in Florida,” she noted. She recalled Hurricane Gilbert, a Category 4 storm that struck Jamaica in 1988, and said the current situation with Hurricane Melissa could be even more severe. For more on the storm’s development and challenges, see how Tropical Storm Melissa remained disorganized before strengthening.
Comparisons to Past Hurricanes
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Gilbert made landfall near Kingston on September 12, 1988, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. Jackson said, “That was one of the worst ones we ever had. For us to have a Category 5 right now, if that’s what it’s going to be once it hits, it’s going to be worse than 1988.”
Jackson shared her hope for her family’s safety, stating, “I pray that my family and the people there in the country survive it. I really do hope that, and I hope that the Jamaican Government is prepared for it.”
Community Response: Port St. Lucie Businesses Offer Support
As Hurricane Melissa impacts Jamaica, local businesses in Port St. Lucie are stepping up to help. Shanice Gayle, co-owner of R&S Patties, is organizing a collection of non-perishable goods to send to Jamaica after the storm.
Gayle, who moved from Spanish Town, Jamaica, to the United States as a child, said her family is doing their best to prepare. “They’re very nervous, but they are prepared, as prepared as they can be,” she explained. Gayle also noted differences in building standards between Jamaica and Florida, emphasizing that many Jamaican homes are less able to withstand strong hurricanes unless families have the means to invest in reinforced structures.
How Residents Can Help
R&S Patties, located at 1909 S.W. South Macedo Boulevard in Port St. Lucie, is collecting canned goods such as tuna and sardines. Gayle said a donation box will be available at the restaurant for anyone wishing to contribute non-perishable items to support recovery efforts in Jamaica.
- Canned tuna
- Canned sardines
- Other non-perishable food items
These supplies will be sent to Jamaica or delivered in person to assist those affected by Hurricane Melissa. Meanwhile, Port St. Lucie residents are also bracing for potential flooding from Tropical Storm Milton, highlighting the ongoing challenges the community faces during hurricane season.
Official Warnings and Ongoing Updates
According to a preliminary report from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Melissa remains a threat as it moves across Jamaica. The agency has urged residents to take all necessary precautions and to follow official guidance as the situation develops.
Officials reported that the storm’s catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and storm surge could cause significant damage. Details may be updated as the investigation and recovery continue, according to official sources.
Staying Informed During Hurricane Melissa
Residents in Port St. Lucie with family in Jamaica are encouraged to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities. Communication with loved ones may be limited due to power outages and infrastructure damage on the island.
Community members are advised to support relief efforts through verified local organizations and to remain patient as information from Jamaica becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Melissa
What is Hurricane Melissa and where did it make landfall?
Hurricane Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane that made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm brought strong winds, flooding, and storm surge to the island.
How are Port St. Lucie residents affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Many Port St. Lucie residents have family in Jamaica and are concerned for their safety. Some local businesses are organizing relief efforts to support those impacted by the hurricane.
Are there local donation drives for Hurricane Melissa relief?
Yes, R&S Patties in Port St. Lucie is collecting non-perishable food items to send to Jamaica after the storm. Residents can drop off donations at 1909 S.W. South Macedo Boulevard.
Can you contact family in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa?
Communication may be difficult due to power outages and infrastructure damage. Many families are relying on brief updates as conditions allow.
Where are official updates about Hurricane Melissa available?
Official updates and warnings about Hurricane Melissa are provided by the National Hurricane Center. Residents should check their website and trusted news sources for the latest information.
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