Hurricane Melissa now tied for the strongest landfalling hurricane in Atlantic Basin history

Hurricane Melissa now tied for the strongest landfalling hurricane in Atlantic Basin history

The National Hurricane Center officially confirmed that Hurricane Melissa has secured its place as one of the most terrifying storms in meteorological history. When the Category 5 monster slammed into New Hope, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025, its 185 mph sustained winds officially tied it for the strongest landfall on record in the Atlantic Basin. Outside of landfall, the max winds were also increased to 190 mph (up from 185 mph). This is now tied for first with Hurricane Allen (1980). Dan Brown, the National Hurricane Center's Hurricane Specialist Branch Chief, joined FOX Weather Command to provide additional perspective.