If you're asking did Jamaica get hit by hurricane recently, the short answer is yes. But the long answer? It’s complicated, a bit scary, and honestly shows just how tough the people on that island really are.
Most people are thinking of Hurricane Beryl from July 2024. That one was a monster on paper—a Category 5 that broke records for being so early in the season. It brushed the southern coast, and while it didn't make a "direct" land hit with its eye, it absolutely thrashed the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Clarendon.
Then came 2025.
If Beryl was a warning, Hurricane Melissa was the real deal. On October 28, 2025, Melissa didn't just brush the coast. It slammed right into the island as a Category 5. It was the strongest storm to hit Jamaica since Gilbert back in '88. We’re talking 185 mph winds. It was intense.
The Beryl vs. Melissa Reality Check
You've gotta understand the difference between these two because it explains why the news looked so different a year apart.
👉 See also: Finding Your Way: What the Lake Placid Town Map Doesn’t Tell You
When Beryl arrived in July 2024, everyone was panicked because it was a Cat 5. But nature is weird. The eye stayed just offshore. Because of that, the north coast (where most of the big resorts in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are) mostly just got some wind and heavy rain. The south coast got hammered, though. Farmers lost everything—watermelons, scallions, you name it.
Fast forward to late 2025. Did Jamaica get hit by hurricane Melissa? Yes, and it was a direct hit.
What Melissa Changed
Unlike Beryl, Melissa’s eye passed right over the land. NASA actually captured these crazy images of "bright blue" sediment being stirred up in the ocean because the storm was so violent.
- Widespread Blackouts: About 75% of the island's power grid was knocked out.
- Direct Landfall: It carved a path through multiple parishes, not just the coast.
- Infrastructure: Over 100,000 structures were damaged.
One of the wildest things was the "false sense of security" some people had. Since they survived Beryl with just some leaky roofs, they thought Melissa would be the same. It wasn't. There are stories of families in Westmoreland huddling in bathtubs under yoga mats because their roofs just flew away.
✨ Don't miss: Why Presidio La Bahia Goliad Is The Most Intense History Trip In Texas
Is it Safe to Visit Jamaica Right Now?
This is the big question for travelers. Honestly, it depends on where you’re going.
As of early 2026, the recovery is moving fast. The main tourist hubs like Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios are usually the first to get the power back and the debris cleared. The Jamaican government actually declared the whole island a disaster area in late October 2025 just to get the international aid moving faster.
The airports—Sangster in MoBay and Norman Manley in Kingston—are fully open. If you have a booking at a major resort, you're likely fine. These places have massive generators and their own water supplies. But if you’re planning a rugged, off-the-beaten-path trip to the south coast or the mountains, you might want to check in with your host first.
The Real Cost
It’s not just about the hotels. The local food scene took a hit. When a Cat 5 wipes out the "breadbasket" (St. Elizabeth), the price of things like yams, bananas, and ackee goes up. You’ll see it at the markets.
🔗 Read more: London to Canterbury Train: What Most People Get Wrong About the Trip
How to Prepare for Future Trips
If you're worried about the question did Jamaica get hit by hurricane before you book your next flight, here’s the expert take.
Hurricane season is technically June to November. Historically, August and September were the "scary" months. But Beryl proved that June/July is now in play, and Melissa proved October can be devastating.
- Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable: Get the "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) kind. Standard insurance sometimes won't pay out unless there's a literal mandatory evacuation.
- Watch the South Coast Reports: If the news says the "breadbasket" is hit, expect food prices to rise and some local tours to be canceled.
- Check the "All Clear": The Jamaican Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is the gold standard for info. Don't just trust TikTok videos; check the official government "all clear" before you head to the airport.
The island is resilient. Even a month after Melissa, volunteer lineworkers from places like Missouri and Virginia were on the ground helping local crews climb poles to get the lights back on. The spirit there hasn't changed, even if the landscape looks a little browner from the wind-stripped trees.
Your Next Steps for Travel
Check the current status of your specific hotel through their direct social media pages rather than their main website, as social media is usually updated more frequently during recovery. If you are staying in a villa or Airbnb, ask the host specifically about the status of the "NWC" (National Water Commission) supply in their area. Supporting the island through tourism is actually one of the fastest ways to help them rebuild, as long as you go to areas that are ready to host you.