Staffing cuts and a federal government shutdown are stretching scientists’ ability to make valuable hurricane observations.

Hurricane Hunters were forced to cut short their reconnaissance mission into the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Monday morning, Oct. 27.

The extent of the damage from Melissa was unclear Wednesday as widespread power outages and dangerous conditions persisted in affected areas.

Hurricane Melissa grew into one of the most powerful Atlantic tropical cyclones in recorded history on Oct. 28, 2025, hitting western Jamaica with 185 mph sustained winds. The Category 5 hurricane blew roofs off buildings and knocked down power lines,

Satellites around Earth are watching as a powerful Hurricane Melissa travels toward Jamaica. On Oct. 21, scientists began monitoring Hurricane Melissa — the 13th named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane season this year — develop.

Hotter-than-average Caribbean water made Hurricane Melissa stronger and wetter. Its part of a trend that scientists link back to climate change.

See how NOAA and U.S. Air Force “hurricane hunters” fly directly into powerful storms to collect critical weather data.

Hurricane Melissa, which hit Jamaica as a Category 5 with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, could bring up to 30 inches of rain.