Hurricane Melissa struck western Jamaica this week as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, with winds near 185 mph and one of the lowest barometric pressures ever measured in an Atlantic storm. Melissa went on to batter Cuba and the Bahamas, leaving devastating wind damage, flooding, and widespread power outages across the Caribbean before passing near Bermuda.

A Warning Shot for U.S. Homeowners

The U.S. East Coast was spared a direct hit, but forecasters caution against reading luck as safety. Melissa demonstrated how quickly a late-season storm can reach historic intensity over warm Caribbean waters. The same ingredients will be back next season, and every season after that.

Preparing While the Tropics Still Churn

• Inspect your standby generator and ensure it is ready to activate automatically if power is lost.
• Run a test cycle to confirm your system starts and transfers power properly.
• Plan for fuel supply and make sure natural gas or propane systems are fully connected and serviced.
• Consider an upgrade. Whole-home backup solutions from Generac and Kohler deliver seamless power protection during prolonged outages.

Stay Informed

Hurricane season officially runs through November 30. Follow National Hurricane Center outlooks until the final advisory of the year, and start planning now for next season’s readiness.