* As of 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 23 October 2025, Tropical Storm Melissa was located approximately 260 kilometers (162 miles) south-southeast of Morant Point or 345 kilometers (215 miles) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. The storm is moving at an estimated motion toward the east-southeast near 4km/h (2mph) and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the weekend, bringing 8 to 14 inches (200-350 mm) of rain to eastern Jamaica through Sunday October 26.
* National emergency operation centers have been activated by the government, and response teams are pre-deployed nationwide in preparation for potential impacts.
* UNICEF distributed 400 WASH shelter kits to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to be distributed to shelters island wide as well as 3,500 5-litre water containers that were distributed to Municipal Corporations.
* UNICEF is coordinating preparedness actions at the sub-regional, national and local levels, working closely with government counterparts, non-governmental organizations, and civil society partners to ensure readiness and response capacity.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain in effect as Tropical Storm Melissa as it moves slowly across the Caribbean Sea. The centre of the storm is expected to move near or just south of Jamaica early next week. Maximum sustained winds remain near 75 km/h (45 mph), with higher gusts, and gradual strengthening is forecast for today, followed by rapid intensification this weekend. Melissa is projected to become a hurricane by Saturday October 25 and a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by Sunday October 26. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 220 kilometres (140 miles) from the centre.
Major rainfall is expected over Jamaica, amounts reaching 8-14 inches are forecast for eastern parishes over the weekend, causing widespread flooding and landslides. Rainfall will gradually spread to the west early next week. As the storm approaches the island, strong, gusty winds, reaching tropical storm force will initially affect eastern parishes today and continue into the weekend over the island. Hurricane force winds are expected as early as Saturday October 25. Marine areas will see further deterioration today. (Meteorological Service, Jamaica, Bulletin No.23).
The Government of Jamaica has activated its National Response Coordination Plan along with preparedness mechanisms for ministries, departments and agencies. Shelter managers are on standby for official shelter activation and supplies are being prepositioned.
The UNICEF Jamaica Country Office (JCO) is coordinating with sub-regional, national and local governments and partners. UNICEF is co-chairing the activated United Nations Emergency Technical Team (UNETT), ensuring preparedness activities are coordinated for an effective and efficient response. Yesterday, the Resident Coordinator's Office sent a letter to the Government of Jamaica offering support and this was recognised in the Emergency Press Briefing hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister.