Hurricane Melissa is a Category 5 storm showing extreme intensity; latest advisories place its peak winds around 175 mph (280 km/h) with life- threatening impacts expected along Jamaica and parts of the Caribbean, including dangerous storm surge and heavy rainfall. The storm’s size (outer rainbands and hurricane-force winds) extends well beyond the eye, affecting a broad swath of territory as it tracks toward Jamaica and then Cuba. For precise, up-to-the-minute figures on wind field radius, surge, and affected areas, refer to the latest official advisories from the National Hurricane Center and regional meteorological services, as conditions are rapidly evolving.
