Hurricane Melissa is such a powerful storm that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters had to stop their mission early. The winds inside the storm reached 175 mph, causing severe turbulence. This made flying into the hurricane too dangerous, so the aircraft had to turn around before completing their data collection.

The storm is now bearing down on Jamaica with heavy rain and strong winds. Residents are told to stay inside their homes for safety. The rain could cause serious flooding and landslides, with some areas expecting up to 40 inches. A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet may hit the coast, bringing huge, dangerous waves.

After Jamaica, the hurricane will move toward Cuba, carrying the same destructive force. Experts warn that many people may face great danger, including long power outages and shortages of food and clean water. They urge everyone in the path of the storm to prepare quickly and follow safety advice.

See more at NOAA official website: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/