Video filmed by X user blissss shows heavy rain and rising water in Kingston on October 28, 2025, as Hurricane Melissa strengthened to Category 4 offshore. Eastern neighborhoods, including Havendale and Constant Spring, saw streets slick with runoff and early pooling, a “calm before the chaos” as the storm prepared to strike near Montego Bay later that evening.

Knee-deep water collected in low-lying areas, stalling traffic along Hope Road and Old Hope Road. Over 200 vehicles were abandoned across the province by afternoon. Power flickered in multiple neighborhoods due to downed lines, prompting early evacuations from flood-prone apartments. Norman Manley International Airport delayed flights, leaving thousands stranded.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness opened more than 50 shelters, while Jamaica’s 119 service received 112 calls for minor entrapments and fallen trees. No deaths were reported in Kingston, but coastal erosion damaged seawalls, foreshadowing severe flooding in southern parishes, including Black River’s submerged gas stations. Schools and ports were closed as a precaution.

Melissa’s erratic path, fueled by record Atlantic warmth, produced rainfall totals exceeding 200 mm—rivaling Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Eastern parishes fared better than the west, where surges reached up to one meter. Saturated soils increased landslide risks, prompting urgent warnings. By October 29, recovery efforts concentrated on southern communities, with aid arriving from the UK and US and calls for stronger, resilient infrastructure.