Hurricanes are intense tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters and are characterized by a low-pressure center, organized deep convection, and strong cyclonic surface winds. They derive energy from latent heat released during condensation within deep convective clouds, requiring sea surface temperatures typically above ~26–27 °C, sufficient Coriolis force to initiate rotation, and weak vertical wind shear to maintain structural integrity. Hurricanes exhibit a warm-core structure, an eye and eyewall, and spiral rainbands, and are classified by maximum sustained wind speed. They are central topics in atmospheric science, climate research, and risk modeling due to their role in heat transport, extreme precipitation, storm surge, and high-wind hazards.
A downgraded Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba early on Wednesday after ripping a path of destruction across Jamaica, which authorities have designated a "disaster area."
Environment
Oct 29, 2025
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Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica with record-tying 185 mph winds Tuesday, was a beast that stood out as extreme even in a record number of monster storms spawned over the last decade in a superheated Atlantic Ocean.
Environment
Oct 29, 2025
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Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record.
Environment
Oct 28, 2025
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Hurricane Melissa, an intense Category 5 storm, brought violent winds and heavy rainfall to Jamaica after making landfall Tuesday and continues to threaten parts of the Caribbean as it tracks through. Melissa was then forecast ...
Environment
Oct 28, 2025
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This image captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission on 26 October 2025 shows the "brightness temperature" at the top of Hurricane Melissa as it barreled through the Caribbean Sea toward Jamaica, where it is expected ...
Earth Sciences
Oct 28, 2025
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Fueled by abnormally warm Caribbean waters, Hurricane Melissa exploded into a Category 5 cyclone while moving at little more than a strolling pace—a dangerous mix that could amplify its impacts through relentless rain, storm ...
Environment
Oct 28, 2025
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Hurricane Melissa was only hours away Tuesday from expected landfall on Jamaica, bringing devastating flooding and winds that officials warn will smash the small Caribbean nation's infrastructure.
Environment
Oct 28, 2025
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Hurricane season can be stressful for anyone near the potential path of a storm, as powerful winds and heavy rain can cause widespread damage, cut power for days or weeks and otherwise upend people's lives.
Environment
Oct 27, 2025
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The first steps into a house are important ones. When it comes to assessing flood risk from hurricanes, first-floor elevation can be a key factor. Agencies such as the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rely ...
Environment
Oct 27, 2025
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Hurricane Melissa strengthened Monday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean as a top-level Category 5 storm, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately.
Environment
Oct 26, 2025
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