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.

Article last updated: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, 7 p.m. ET

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.

It's the strongest Atlantic hurricane to make landfall since Hurricane Dorian battered the Bahamas in 2019. Here’s a look at the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record: The most powerful Atlantic storm in terms of wind speed,