Currently south of Jamaica, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has been continuing intensification Monday, and the storm is so violent, it forced the NOAA Hurricane Hunters to end a reconnaissance flight early because of severe turbulence.
“Reports from NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate the central pressure has fallen to near 908 mb, with both aircraft releasing dropsondes in the northeastern eyewall that support an initial intensity of 145 kt,” wrote the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in their latest forecast discussion for Melissa. (RELATED: Hurricane Melissa Becomes Category 5 Ahead Of Historic Landfall In Jamaica)
“The NOAA aircraft left the storm early after experiencing severe turbulence in the southwestern eyewall.”
According to the 2:00 p.m. advisory from the NHC, Hurricane Melissa has 175 mph maximum sustained winds with gusts reaching higher speeds. Strength fluctuations are expected as the storm is set to blast Jamaica with life-threatening storm surge, deadly flash flooding, catastrophic landslides and powerful winds.
You know you have a rapidly deteriorating situation when even the Hurricane Hunters (who have planes designed to fly into the worst of storms) have to leave the storm due to turbulence. Wow #Melissa #Hurricane pic.twitter.com/0yaBR4Dkox
— WeatherWorks (@WeatherWorks) October 27, 2025
The cancelled flight from the Hurricane Hunters comes after Melissa experienced “extreme rapid intensification” throughout the weekend as millions of people in the Caribbean urgently get prepared for impacts.
Hurricane Melissa is now recording 188 MPH winds at the surface. 908 mb pressure to bring her to 9th strongest Atlantic hurricane ever.
Eye temp down to -5.21 °C, an Atlantic record and close to world record. Radar is showing Melissa starting to make its move north to Jamaica. pic.twitter.com/UNZ7zAH3uG
— Andrew Powell (@AndrewPow3ll) October 27, 2025
The Daily Caller will continue to keep you updated on the latest with Hurricane Melissa.