The development of 13 storms makes for a pretty normal year, though most hurricanes developed into major hurricanes above 111 mph.

Jamaica's central location in the Caribbean, the island has never recorded a direct landfall from a Category 4 or 5 hurricane, according to records from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) dating back to 1850.

Tropical Storm Melissa, responsible for multiple fatalities in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, is nearing hurricane strength, sparking concerns over severe flooding, powerful storm surges, and extensive wind damage in Jamaica and surrounding regions.

According to the hurricane center, Melissa has a significant possibility of making landfall on Jamaica as a major hurricane and could maintain major hurricane strength when it reaches eastern Cuba. Forecasters say Melissa poses little to no risk for Florida and the U.S. at this time.

Can the pace of a storm be its most dangerous weapon? Tropical Storm Melissa is showing why the answer can be yes. Drifting north-northwest at only 2 mph, slower than the pace of a casual walk, Melissa lingers over the Caribbean,