"Caribbean nations face an increasing threat from super hurricanes, which can cost a significant fraction of their GDP. Climate change is expected to make the strongest hurricanes stronger."
"In the western Pacific, there is a special name for high-end Category 4 and 5 typhoons with winds exceeding 150 mph (240 km/h): super typhoons. No equivalent terminology exists in the Atlantic for “super hurricanes.” But perhaps there should be, because these strongest of the strong storms are an increasing threat to the viability of living along the Caribbean, as they are expected to become increasingly common because of climate change.
After Melissa made landfall Oct. 28 in Jamaica as a Category 5 superstorm with 185 mph (300 km/h) winds — and then ravaged eastern Cuba at Category 3 strength — the full scope of its impact on the Caribbean is beginning to emerge. As of Nov. 12, Melissa was being blamed for at least 103 deaths: 45 in Jamaica (with 15 missing), 43 in Haiti, four in the Dominican Republic, four in Panama, four in the U.S., and three in Cuba.
The damage to western Jamaica was catastrophic, and preliminary damage estimates are in the multiple billions of dollars, representing a significant fraction of Jamaica’s $20 billion GDP. Property intelligence company Cotality estimates total damage in Jamaica will rise to $2-$5 billion, about 10-25% of the country’s GDP. Other estimates are higher. Kishan Khoday, resident representative for the U.N. Development Program, told journalists that initial estimates of damage were up to 30% of GDP, “a figure that’s expected to rise.”"
Jeff Masters reports for Yale Climate Connections November 12, 2025.
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