Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Mark Withee/Cover Images A U.S. Air Force Reserve crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” flies through Hurricane Melissa on Oct. 27, 2025. The crew made a pass through the storm to collect vital weather data for the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At least three people have died in Jamaica as the full impact of Hurricane Melissa hits on Tuesday. It’s the world’s strongest storm so far this year and potentially the most powerful ever recorded in Jamaica. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of “catastrophic and life-threatening” conditions, with the category five storm bringing maximum sustained winds of up to 175mph (282km/h). The hurricane has already been blamed for four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in addition to the three reported fatalities in Jamaica. Experts warn that Melissa’s slow movement could lead to prolonged heavy rainfall in some areas, heightening the risk of severe flooding and landslides. According to the NHC, Melissa currently ranks as the world’s strongest storm in 2025 based on maximum wind speed and low central pressure.