Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest hurricanes recorded in the Caribbean, reached Category 5 intensity.
The storm underwent rapid intensification, escalating from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane within a 24-hour period. This development was associated with sea temperatures recorded as warmer than average.
A study conducted by World Weather Attribution indicated that the atmospheric and ocean conditions which contributed to the hurricane's rapid intensification were six times more likely to occur due to climate change.
Hurricane Melissa made its initial landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane. A second landfall occurred in eastern Cuba approximately 24 hours later.