Jonathan Petramala

Some names get reused.

Not this one.

The name Melissa has officially been retired from the Atlantic hurricane list after the catastrophic 2025 Category 5 hurricane that tore through parts of the Caribbean. When a storm causes this much destruction and loss of life, the name is never used again.

It’s how the hurricane naming system quietly acknowledges history.

When the list rotates again in 2031, “Melissa” will be replaced by the name “Molly.”

This retirement also marks a milestone:
Melissa becomes the 100th hurricane name retired in the Atlantic since 1954.

And it joins a short, brutal list of retired “M” storms:

• Marilyn (1995)
• Mitch (1998)
• Michelle (2001)
• Matthew (2016)
• Maria (2017)
• Michael (2018)
• Milton (2024)
• Melissa (2025)

You can see the generational impacts from Melissa in Jamaica from my coverage here:

Hurricane Melissa: The Fight to Reconnect Survivors
https://youtu.be/Nhy9ZkSw_iQ

Inside Jamaica’s Ground Zero After Hurricane Melissa
https://youtu.be/WjI0RD2s0To

1 month ago | [YT] | 102

Jonathan Petramala

WOW! The National Hurricane Center says actually, Hurricane Melissa had 190mph winds at its peak intensity. Tied for the strongest EVER!
You saw its impacts in Jamaica here:
Hurricane Melissa: The Fight to Reconnect Survivors
https://youtu.be/Nhy9ZkSw_iQ
Inside Jamaica’s Ground Zero After Hurricane Melissa
https://youtu.be/WjI0RD2s0To

1 month ago | [YT] | 187

Jonathan Petramala

Ever cover a blizzard with one and a half snow boots? My boots decided the nor’easter in Massachusetts was too much so it gave up on me. But if you watch my latest video, it didn’t stop me ;)

New England Hasn’t Seen a Blizzard Like This in 50 Years
https://youtu.be/4_GFbX5YPwI

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1 month ago | [YT] | 112

Jonathan Petramala

If you want to watch the blizzard live from SE MA, please go to ‪@WxChasing‬ and we have a stream going with occasional commentary. We are moving around.

1 month ago | [YT] | 54

Jonathan Petramala

And this is why I am heading to Boston. Upgraded to “extreme” impacts. Absolutely expecting power outages and homes possibly to be damaged and even an OBX-like situation where homes could end up in the ocean, coastal flooding, ect.

Ironically my wife is going to be in Boston for work too. They flew her up to basically have her work remotely from her hotel 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️😂

1 month ago | [YT] | 85

Jonathan Petramala

I am excited about this one. Unlike the last snow storm I covered in Boston (Top 10 all time) this one will have wind and waves. Power outages expected. This has potential to be like a nor’easter your grandparents would tell you about.

1 month ago | [YT] | 82

Jonathan Petramala

My poor dog. He isn’t ready for snow flurries. 50 degrees is keeping him under blankets and he needs a sweater to go outside 😂

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1 month ago | [YT] | 135

Jonathan Petramala

You guys are asking about the boiler machine Boston Logan International Airport uses to melt all the snow.
(Historic Winter Storm Shuts Down Travel Coast to Coast
https://youtu.be/j2n5mhpr7vM)

I literally only discovered it by noticing the front end loader dumping snow in it and then put two and two together. I did some research, apparently the water goes through strict filtering for oil, sand, other pollutants like de-icer, and eventually goes into Boston Harbor. Super interesting and glad you guys thought so too!

1 month ago | [YT] | 125

Jonathan Petramala

Which would you rather experience? Ice storm in Mississippi, close to two feet of snow in Boston or…Florida :)

1 month ago | [YT] | 51

Jonathan Petramala

Often when I am working, covering weather we don’t sleep. I started editing and writing my latest video (1,500 Miles of Chaos: Boston to Mississippi Snow and Ice
https://youtu.be/j2n5mhpr7vM) at 230 AM. I finally got a little nap but was awoken by frantic phone calls and texts from the Airbnb host that I was parked in the wrong spot and the car was going to be towed. I rushed down and just laughed. There are literally no numbers anywhere. Anyways, so I am up again, did you guys like the video?

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1 month ago | [YT] | 108