Hurricane Melissa threatens Usain Bolt's home as Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman send message of support to Jamaica
As Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, the island nation is bracing for catastrophic damage, with the homes of several high-profile celebrities, including Olympic champion Usain Bolt, lying in its destructive path.
The storm, described by a UN agency as the "storm of the century," struck with devastating 185 mph winds, triggering widespread flooding and power outages. According to reports from the Associated Press, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has warned of severe consequences as the hurricane continues its rampage across the Caribbean.
Maps tracking the storm's trajectory indicate that the parishes of Kingston, Portland, Saint Mary, and Saint James are among the most vulnerable areas. This puts the properties of numerous stars at significant risk.
Celebrity properties in the storm's path
Hours before the hurricane hit, Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt posted a prayer for the safety of his fellow citizens. His home is reportedly located in one of the areas expected to be heavily impacted. Other prominent figures from Kingston whose properties are threatened include reggae and dancehall artists Damian Marley and Sean Paul.
The storm also poses a threat to international celebrities with ties to the island. DJ Diplo's recording studio in Port Antonio and a long-time residence of fashion designer Ralph Lauren are also in the potential impact zone. The historic home of the late James Bond author, Ian Fleming, could also face damage.
Athletics stars pen message of support to Jamaica during difficult time
Noah Lyles, Christian Coleman, Vernon Norwood, and a number of track athletes have penned their message of support to Jamaica during this difficult time.
Olympic champion Lyles, whose fiancee Junelle Bromfield is from the country, reposted a message of 'Praying for Jamaica' on his X page.
🇯🇲 Praying for #Jamaica. pic.twitter.com/jIgwSLanK1
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) October 27, 2025
Diamond League champion Coleman, tweeted on his X page: "Prayers to Jamaica. Yall be safe!"
🙏🏾🙏🏾to Jamaica🇯🇲Yall be safe!
— Christian Coleman (@__coleman) October 27, 2025
And veteran 400m runner Norwood, also wrote on his X page: "Tuh all mi Jamaicans stay safe!!"
Tuh all mi Jamaicans stay safe!! 🙏🏿🇯🇲
— Vernon L. Norwood (@Vernon400m) October 26, 2025
Widespread devastation and controversy
Hurricane Melissa has already proven to be deadly, with reports confirming seven fatalities across the region: three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. The full extent of the destruction is still being assessed, but early indications point to a major natural disaster.