Melissa made landfall on Tuesday, October 28th, around 1:00 PM ET near New Hope, Jamaica, as a Category 5 hurricane, the 3rd strongest Hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin, with a central pressure dropping to 892 mb. Maximum sustained winds were estimated at 185 mph.

Hurricane Melissa made its second landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday near the city of Chivirico as a Category 3 storm before moving past Bermuda Thursday night.

• Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding caused major damage in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.

• Wind damage is widespread and catastrophic across western Jamaica.

• Melissa became a post-tropical cyclone on Friday and moved into the north Atlantic.

How Can You Help?

There are many reputable organizations that are offering relief to Jamaicans impacted by Melissa. We recommend doing your own research about any organization you plan to donate to, but here are a few that have a history of helping. Cash donations are recommended instead of donating items like food and clothing.

Tune into WeatherNation for the top weather headlines for more on the tropics.