Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 3 major hurricane with 115 mph winds by 3:46 AM UTC on October 26th, a significant upgrade from its 70 mph tropical storm status at 11 AM ET on October 25th. This rapid intensification, occurring at double the rate required for classification, positions the storm to potentially reach Category 4 strength by sunrise as it approaches Jamaica. Advisory 19A, issued by NOAA and the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft, confirmed Melissa's status as a major hurricane, noting its continued rapid intensification. Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci reported the 115 mph wind speed, stating the storm had gone from 70 mph at 11 AM ET to its current major hurricane status in under 12 hours. The storm is currently entering some of the warmest waters in the Atlantic, a factor contributing to its development, according to meteorologist PettusWX. Officials warn that Hurricane Melissa could bring extreme destruction to Jamaica, with potential for major infrastructural damage, isolation of communities, and long-lasting power outages, as indicated in Advisory 19A. This comes as previous advisories from the National Hurricane Center had forecast Melissa to become a Category 5 storm, with potential for catastrophic conditions including severe flash flooding and landslides. Airports in Jamaica were scheduled to close at 9 PM local time on October 25th in anticipation of the storm's impact.
