Melissa is among three Atlantic hurricanes to make landfall with 185 mph winds. Another storm to do so was the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.

As the storm threatens Jamaica, "the role climate change has played in making Hurricane Melissa incredibly dangerous is undeniable."

The Caribbean storm — among the most powerful in history, with 185 mph winds — is expected to bring flash-flooding and landslides as it slowly moves across the island and heads north toward Cuba.

Stay safe during hurricanes with evacuation plans, go-bag prep, home protection, emergency alerts, and post-storm safety guidance for you and your family.

PORT-AU-PRINCE/KINGSTON/HAVANA (Reuters) -Hurricane Melissa smashed through the northern Caribbean and was seen picking up speed as it churned across open ocean towards Bermuda on Thursday, leaving a trail of high winds and destruction from Jamaica to Cuba and Haiti in its wake.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Melissa has begun affecting the southeastern Bahamas SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba — Melissa began affecting the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall Tuesday afternoon near New Hope, Jamaica, as a Category 5 storm, with winds of 185 mph. The big picture: Melissa is the strongest storm to make landfall in the country in 174 years.

The hurricane that tore through the Caribbean this week broke records, rapidly intensifying and surprising some meteorologists.