It also marks the first time in 20 years that three or more Category 5 hurricanes have developed over the Atlantic Basin in one season. The last time was in 2005, when Hurricanes Emily, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma all reached Category 5—breaking a record.

Hurricane Melissa is still an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane. The eye of the storm is approaching western Jamaica and is forecast to make landfall in the next few hours. Catastrophic winds,

On Saturday, Oct. 25, Melissa was predicted to be at 16.6N 75.4W. Maximum sustained winds were predicted to reach 65 mph. To be classified as a hurricane, maximum sustained winds need to reach 74 mph.

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.