Only 81 hurricanes have struck as Category 4 or higher since 1851, or about one every other year on average. A couple have crippled multiple points at that strength. Irma, in 2017, managed to hit five countries as a Category 4 or 5 — the most of any storm in the Atlantic.

Forecasters say Melissa poses little to no risk for Florida and the U.S. at this time.

Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are expected for Jamaica and Haiti, and possible for the Dominican Republic.