Melissa strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane, posing dire threat to Jamaica and Haiti

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Hurricane Melissa strengthened to Category 4 with potential to reach Category 5, threatening Jamaica, Haiti and other Caribbean islands with catastrophic flooding and torrential rain.

The slow-moving storm already killed at least four people and forced airports to close, with Jamaica activating 650 shelters amid warnings of multiple-day impact.

Forecasters warn Melissa could dump up to 40 inches of rain on some areas, causing widespread power outages and isolating communities for days.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa strengthened into a major Category 4 hurricane, with the possibility of intensifying to a Category 5 storm Sunday night, unleashing torrential rain and threat