Wind, Water, Mudslide: Hurricane Melissa’s Triple Threat to Insured Assets in Jamaica

The Caribbean is under severe threat as Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane and is projected to make landfall in Jamaica early this week. With maximum sustained winds around 160 mph and a crawl speed of approximately 3 mph, Melissa is poised to do unprecedented damage for the island.

For claims adjusters, this storm represents a high stakes, multi-hazard event. The slow movement of the system means extended exposure to destructive wind, extreme rainfall (up to 30-40 inches), storm surge of 9-13 feet and large wave action along the coast.

The rainfall and terrain conditions signal elevated risks of flash flooding, debris flows and landslides—secondary perils that often complicate damage assessment and recovery efforts.

Beyond the primary wind damage to roofs, structures, utilities and the built environment, adjusters must anticipate claims involving flood intrusion, structural collapse from saturated soils, coastal flooding, business interruption, infrastructure failures (power, water), and possibly complex subrogation issues if supply chains or international operations are impacted. Furthermore, the storm’s path currently spares the U.S. from a direct hit, but the broader implications—such as reinsurance stress, supply chain disruption and regional inflation in construction costs—could ripple into U.S. markets. The urgency for adjusters is clear: early mobilization, surge staffing, robust documentation, and cross border coordination may be required.

In short: Hurricane Melissa is not just another major hurricane. For the Caribbean region — and for adjusters with exposures there — this is shaping up to be a record event with elevated complexity and potentially large scale claims.