Anderson Cooper 360

"Catastrophic" Category 5 Hurricane Takes Aim At Jamaica 

Oct 28, 2025
A powerful Category 5 hurricane, Melissa, is barreling toward Jamaica, prompting urgent preparations from the prime minister and a focus on shelter availability. Insights on the storm's destructive potential come from a CNN meteorologist on the ground. The discussion shifts to political drama, with the president hinting at a third term amidst whispers of a strategic plan from his former advisor, stirring debate on legal implications. The podcast also touches on public misinformation and recovery plans post-disaster.
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INSIGHT

Melissa Is An Extremely Dangerous Category 5 Storm

  • Hurricane Melissa reached sustained winds of 175 mph and threatened Jamaica with catastrophic surge and flooding.
  • CNN reported the storm could produce a 17-foot surge and up to 40 inches of rain, stressing national emergency concerns.
INSIGHT

Mountains Amplify Flood And Landslide Risk

  • Derek Van Dam warned Kingston faces catastrophic flash flooding and landslides due to surrounding mountains.
  • He emphasized the storm's slow movement compounds widespread power and communication outages across Jamaica.
ADVICE

Track Small Shifts In The Storm Path

  • Pay close attention to small shifts in the storm track because a few miles decide who gets the core winds.
  • Monitor official NHC updates as weak steering currents can cause last-minute westward jogs.
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