The mission's objective was to gather essential meteorological data for the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and improve forecasts regarding its path and intensity.
During the operation, Melissa intensified to reach category 5, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale, as it moved towards Jamaica, where experts predict catastrophic flooding, landslides, and severe material damage. With this strength, it could become the most devastating hurricane to hit the island since 1851, when official records began.
So far, Melissa has been responsible for seven deaths in the northern Caribbean and is expected to make landfall in Jamaica before heading towards Cuba and the Bahamas.
According to meteorologists, it will not directly impact the United States, although its evolution is being closely monitored.