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Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a catastrophic Category 5 storm, threatening Jamaica, Cuba, and other Caribbean islands.

A Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance flight was cut short after encountering severe turbulence and gusts over 200 mph.

The storm is expected to bring catastrophic flooding, landslides, and destructive winds to Jamaica and surrounding areas.

At least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic have already been attributed to the hurricane.

Hurricane Hunters were forced to cut short their reconnaissance mission into the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Monday morning, Oct. 27, after encountering severe turbulence — and 200-plus mph gusts — in the storm’s southwestern eyewall, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The decision comes as

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