As the Atlantic hurricane season moves into its most dangerous months, Caribbean countries are being reminded that preparation can mean the difference between life and death.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with most tropical-storm and hurricane activity normally occurring between August and October. NOAA predicts that the 2026 season will most likely be below normal, with eight to 14 named storms, three to six hurricanes and one to three major hurricanes. However, it takes only one powerful storm striking a populated area to cause catastrophic damage.
Caribbean Countries Remain Vulnerable
Island nations across the Caribbean face unique dangers during hurricane season. Strong winds can tear roofs from homes, uproot trees and destroy electricity and communication systems. Heavy rainfall can produce flash flooding and landslides, while storm surge can flood coastal communities, damage fishing villages and destroy roads, hotels, ports and businesses.
The effects can continue long after the storm has passed. Families may lose their homes, farmers can lose entire crops and livestock, and communities may remain without electricity, clean water, telephone service or access to medical care for days or weeks.
Tourism-dependent countries can also suffer major financial losses when airports, hotels, beaches and cruise ports are damaged. Schools may be forced to close, businesses can lose income and governments may face enormous rebuilding costs.
Jamaica Remembers Hurricane Melissa
For Jamaica, the 2026 season brings painful memories of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 hurricane made landfall on October 28, 2025, becoming one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the country. It brought destructive winds, severe flooding and widespread damage to homes, roads, hospitals, farms and essential infrastructure.
The hurricane caused major interruptions to Jamaica's water and electricity systems. In some areas, damaged power infrastructure had to be rebuilt rather than simply repaired. Recovery efforts continued for months, particularly in western parishes that experienced some of the worst destruction.
"Melissa demonstrated how quickly a hurricane can change lives. Families who had spent years building homes and businesses suddenly found themselves surrounded by debris."
— CanJam News
Communities needed emergency shelter, food, drinking water, medical care and assistance clearing roads.
Countries Came Together to Help Jamaica
One of the most encouraging developments following Hurricane Melissa was the way Caribbean and international partners came together to support Jamaica.
CARICOM governments dispatched assistance and pledged financial support, while the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency coordinated regional response efforts. Specialists from organizations including UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the Pan American Health Organization helped assess damage involving housing, health, agriculture, education, water, sanitation and infrastructure.
Electricity crews and engineers arrived from other Caribbean countries through the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation. More than 100 additional line workers from Canada and the United States later joined Jamaican and regional teams to help rebuild damaged power systems and restore electricity.
Canada provided more than $7 million in humanitarian assistance, including emergency food, relief supplies, health services, clean water and sanitation support. Canadian personnel and volunteers also assisted with logistics, power restoration and search-and-rescue operations.
Other countries and organizations provided food, bottled water, temporary shelters, hygiene products, medical support, engineering assistance and equipment. Guyana committed engineering support for debris removal and rebuilding, along with materials to help repair damaged roofs.
That response showed the strength of regional and international cooperation. When disaster struck Jamaica, assistance did not come only in the form of words. Crews arrived to restore electricity, responders helped affected communities, and organizations supplied food and water while rebuilding work began.
Preparation Must Begin Before a Warning
Caribbean residents should not wait until a hurricane warning is issued before preparing. Families should keep drinking water, non-perishable food, medication, flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, important documents and emergency contact information in a safe location.
Residents should follow information from their national weather service and disaster-management agencies, know the location of the nearest shelter and leave immediately when evacuation instructions are issued.
Hurricane Melissa showed the destruction that one powerful storm can bring, but it also showed the resilience of the Jamaican people and the importance of countries helping one another.
The forecast may call for fewer storms in 2026, but the Caribbean cannot afford to become complacent. Preparedness, stronger infrastructure and continued regional cooperation will be essential in protecting lives throughout the hurricane season.
News brought to you by CanJam News — Connecting Canada, Jamaica and the world.
Dwight Simpson
Freelance Independent Journalist, CanJam News
Dwight Simpson is a freelance independent journalist covering stories that matter to the Canadian Jamaican community and the world — with no corporate owners, no political masters, and no editorial compromise.
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