Earlier today, the Turks and Caicos Islands Executive Policy Committee, comprising Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick, Her Excellency the Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Hon. Deputy Premier Jamell Robinson, Hon. Minister for Home Affairs, Public Safety and Utilities Arlington Musgrove, and Acting Attorney General Khalila Astwood, received a comprehensive briefing on Hurricane Melissa from Dr. Holly Hamilton of the TCI Weather Service and Mr. Kevern De Bellott of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME).
Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretaries for the Ministries of Finance and National Security, as well as the Deputy Director of DDME.
As a proactive measure, the Ministry of Education has announced the immediate closure of all public schools to facilitate the preparation and activation of emergency shelters across the islands. Parents and guardians are encouraged to make the necessary arrangements and to continue monitoring official updates for guidance on shelter operations and further advisories.
The latest forecast indicates that Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a major Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds exceeding 140 miles per hour, moving west at approximately 3 miles per hour. Forecast models suggest further intensification into a Category 5 hurricane (winds exceeding 157 miles per hour) before making landfall in Jamaica on Monday, 27th October 2025.
While forecasts remain uncertain, current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa may cross over southeastern Cuba and approach the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands later this week.
The Turks and Caicos Islands could begin to experience tropical storm-force conditions as early as Tuesday, 28th October at 8:00 p.m., with the greatest potential impact expected for Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos.
Regardless of the storm’s final track, residents should anticipate rough seas and swells ranging from 6 to 20 feet, along with the potential for storm surge and heavy rainfall that may result in localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
To ensure national preparedness, a State of Preparedness Meeting has been scheduled for Monday, 27th October at 9:00 a.m.
On the recommendation of the Commanding Officer, Her Excellency the Governor will embody the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, allowing for the deployment of all Permanent and Reserve Marines. The Regiment will begin pre-deploying personnel across the islands starting Monday to support each island’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
Following the State of Preparedness Meeting, further public notices will be issued regarding the closure of the public service and any additional measures deemed necessary to safeguard residents and visitors.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government reminds all residents and visitors of the importance of staying informed through credible and official sources. Please download the DDME App and follow the official social media pages for the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) and the TCI Weather Service (TCIWS) for verified updates.