Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with record-tying 185 mph winds, and its strength defied typical weakening factors

Melissa’s 185 mph winds rival the most intense Atlantic storms on record. The Category 5 hurricane is threatening Jamaica with a storm surge of up to 13 feet.

As powerful Hurricane Melissa creeps toward Jamaica on Tuesday morning, here's how you can help those impacted by the catastrophic storm

Hurricane Melissa is now among the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record. The monster storm strengthened Tuesday before hitting Jamaica, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph).

The two categories combined make up about 17 percent of all hurricanes in recorded history. Those reaching Category 5 — like Melissa — historically make up more like 4 percent of hurricanes. And fewer than half of the strongest two categories of hurricanes go on to hit land at such intensity.

Hurricane Melissa has made landfall on Jamaica as the strongest storm to hit the island in the 174 years since records began

Hurricane Melissa is expected to hit Jamaica early on Oct. 28 as the country’s strongest storm on record. FBI Scrambles Over Mysterious Stand in Trump Airspace Did Hillsborough actually overspend by $279 million,

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica with 185 mph winds and up to 40 inches of rain expected. Chevron payments make up nearly 24% of Richmond general fund, California city reveals accidentally U.