It also marks the first time in 20 years that three or more Category 5 hurricanes have developed over the Atlantic Basin in one season. The last time was in 2005, when Hurricanes Emily, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma all reached Category 5—breaking a record.

Today, Today, there were numerous changes. Melissa developed into hurricane, before turning into a Category 5 hurricane. Then, it weakened to a Category 4 hurricane and was later downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 125 mph.

Hurricane Melissa reached Category 5 status near Jamaica but won't impact the Ohio Valley. Get live updates and tracking information.

Evan Thompson with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica warned that the impending landfall of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa would cause catastrophic and “life-threatening” damage. Thompson advised seeking shelter in buildings with as many walls as possible to separate them from the outside.

This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

Hurricane Melissa is now among the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record. The monster storm strengthened Tuesday before hitting Jamaica, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph).