The National Hurricane Center in Miami warned of "life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and landslides" throughout Hispaniola.

Today, Today, several developments occurred. Melissa changed into hurricane, before turning into a Category 5 hurricane. Then, it weakened to a Category 4 hurricane and eventually became a Category 3 hurricane before being downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 125 mph.

Jamaica has ordered the evacuation of its capital as it braces for what’s thought to become the most “catastrophic” hurricane in the island’s history.

Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has displaced 900 families in Haiti, with 3,653 people in the Grand Sud region’s shelters as the Atlantic storm – one of the strongest on record – approaches nearby Jamaica.

The maps you need to follow and track Hurricane Melissa and stay up-to-date on the current threats are all here.

UNICEF is supporting emergency preparedness efforts as the strongest storm of the 2025 hurricane season approaches landfall.