Hurricane Melissa intensified to a Category 5 storm, becoming the first on record to threaten Jamaica with sustained winds of 170+ mph and gusts over 200 mph, according to a post at 4:45 AM UTC on October 26th by meteorologist NbergWX. The storm's eye has appeared on satellite imagery, indicating an unprecedented level of intensity for the island nation. Meteorologist NbergWX stated that Melissa is on par with or exceeding intensity forecasts and is challenging the mathematical limit of hurricane intensity. The forecaster warned that the storm could be one of the worst natural disasters from a hurricane in a long time, potentially requiring significant humanitarian aid for Jamaica following its impact. The highest sustained wind speed ever recorded in the Atlantic basin was 190 mph from Hurricane Allen in 1980. Previous reports indicated that Hurricane Melissa had rapidly intensified to Category 3 status with 115 mph winds by 3:46 AM UTC on October 26th. Advisories noted the storm's development was occurring at double the rate required for classification, with forecasts suggesting it could reach Category 4 strength by sunrise as it approached Jamaica. Airports in Jamaica were scheduled to close at 9 PM local time on October 25th in anticipation of the storm's impact. In separate weather news, a Quaseline Shower (QLCS) tornado threat was reported picking up in southeast Louisiana as of October 26th, according to meteorologist WeatherWatcherX. Prefrontal convection was also present but remained sub-severe at the time of the report.
