Melissa has made landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph and an estimated minimum central pressure of 892 mb (26.34 inches). This makes it one of the strongest landfalling hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin. This ties the Labor Day hurricane of 1935 with a landfalling pressure of 892 mb.

Hurricane Melissa is moving north-northeast at about 9 mph and is expected to turn northeast later today, increasing its forward speed through Wednesday and Thursday.

The storm’s core is forecast to pass over Jamaica today, cross southeastern Cuba Wednesday morning, and move across the southeastern or central Bahamas later Wednesday.

Data from the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters show maximum sustained winds near 185 mph with higher gusts. Hurric

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