TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Hurricane Melissa is a prime example of rapid intensification with tropical cyclones. As of the 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, the major hurricane has reached 185 mph with gusts over 200 mph.

Melissa has already brought storm surge flooding to the island, and catastrophic conditions are expected to continue throughout Tuesday. Impacts include rainfall of up to 30 inches, life-threatening storm surge flooding, and hurricane-force winds exceeding 180 mph. This will lead to significant damage to homes, buildings and property.

The latest category five storm to brew in the Atlantic has become one of the strongest recorded since 1842, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Historical Hurricane Tracks .

Melissa

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