A dire situation is unfolding in the Caribbean as Category 5 Hurricane Melissa is forecast to make a right, northward turn and cross Jamaica like a giant buzzsaw and firehose at the same time. AccuWeather meteorologists continue to warn of the consequences of such an event, which could result in a humanitarian crisis with great loss of life and long-term devastation due to tremendous flooding, mudslides and high winds.

As of the latest advisory as of mid-afternoon on Monday, it was found that maximum sustained winds in Melissa's eyewall had increased to 175 mph, making it the strongest hurricane of the year for the Atlantic basin and perhaps the most intense hurricane in terms of central pressure for so late in the season.

"People choosing to ride out the storm in unsafe areas, or those

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