Hurricane Melissa has exploded into a catastrophic Category 5 storm, marking only the second time in recorded history that an Atlantic hurricane season has produced three storms of this magnitude. With sustained winds reaching 185 mph, Melissa is barreling toward Jamaica before continuing to Cuba, having already claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The storm exemplifies how climate change is supercharging hurricanes into unprecedented threats. Melissa has been feeding on ocean temperatures made up to 800 times more likely by global warming, as the seas have absorbed 90% of the excess heat humans have pumped into the atmosphere. Scientists estimate climate change has boosted the hurricane’s wind speeds by 10 mph, translating to a staggering 50% increase in potential damage.

Jamaica faces a perfect storm of climate-enhanced dangers. The island could receive up to 40 inches of rainfall—hurricanes can now produce 50% more precipitation due to warming—while a 13-foot storm surge threatens coastal areas already dealing with rising sea levels. The mountainous terrain adds another layer of peril, as water rushing downhill gains momentum and creates dangerous funneling effects that amplify flooding and landslides.

Melissa’s rapid intensification from 70 to 140 mph in under 24 hours demonstrates another climate change impact: Atlantic hurricanes are now twice as likely to rapidly strengthen, often catching communities unprepared. As University of Miami hurricane scientist Brian McNoldy warned, “No one living there has ever experienced anything like what is about to happen.”