Hurricane Melissa, which reached Category 5 strength as it tore through the Caribbean, has weakened to a Category 1 system while lashing the southeastern Bahamas with heavy rain, dangerous surf, and strong winds, after leaving widespread devastation in Jamaica.

The Bahamas Meteorology Department reported that Melissa’s center passed near Inagua and Mayaguana, bringing sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and gusts exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h). Authorities ordered mandatory evacuations in low-lying coastal areas amid warnings of storm surges up to seven feet (two meters). Despite the impact, officials noted that tourism infrastructure remains largely intact and there is no major threat to visitors currently in the islands.

Jamaica, however, was severely hit when Melissa made landfall earlier this week as a Category 5 hurricane, flattening homes, cutting communications, and paralyzing the tourism sector — a vital pillar of the island’s economy.

Major airports — Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston — remain closed due to flooding, roof damage, and prolonged power outages. Cruise terminals in Montego Bay, Falmouth, and Ocho Ríos are also temporarily out of service, forcing cruise lines to divert ships to other Caribbean ports.

Hotels along Jamaica’s northern coast suffered broken windows, roof damage, and water intrusion. Many rely on backup generators to maintain basic services, though fuel and potable water shortages continue to hinder recovery. Thousands of travelers remain stranded as flights and cruise itineraries are rescheduled.

Authorities have prioritized restoring transportation links and assessing tourism infrastructure damage, warning that full recovery may take weeks. The government is urging reconstruction with climate-resilient standards to better withstand future extreme weather events.

Formed on October 21 in the eastern Caribbean, Melissa has become one of the most destructive storms of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, highlighting the region’s increasing vulnerability to climate change.