Josh Wurman and Karen Kosiba, the researchers inside the mobile radar unit, noted the average wind inside the hurricane’s eyewall was between 90 and 100 mph; it ramped up to 145 mph during the passage of at least one of these whirls.

Storm's 185 mph winds are equivalent to EF4 tornado, threaten complete structural collapse and months-long power outages. Click to learn more.

It also marks the first time in 20 years that three or more Category 5 hurricanes have developed over the Atlantic Basin in one season. The last time was in 2005, when Hurricanes Emily, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma all reached Category 5—breaking a record.

These storms are the most intense that the Earth can produce. Melissa, Humberto and Erin were added to the list of rare storms in 2025.

Senior Meteorologist Wesley Williams tracks Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm. Plus, a look at the rain chances in South Mississippi ahead of a cold blast. Williams Family Farms features a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, a corn maze, and plenty of other fun activities.

FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross provides his exclusive analysis tracking Hurricane Melissa as it heads towards the Bahamas and then Bermuda. Norcross says this historic hurricane had near record breaking winds when it crossed Jamaica resulting in high storm surge and flooding.

Hotter-than-average Caribbean water made Hurricane Melissa stronger and wetter. Its part of a trend that scientists link back to climate change.

Hurricane Melissa pummeled areas of the Caribbean already vulnerable to landslides and flash flooding — made worse by decades of deforestation — with risks likely to continue for days, experts said