Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, bringing catastrophic winds and flooding across the Caribbean, forecasters report this October 27.
Described as “disorganized” and “slow-moving,” the National Hurricane Center warned that life-threatening flash floods and landslides are likely through October 28, urging residents in Jamaica and Cuba to complete emergency preparations. The storm is expected to move near or over Jamaica before striking southeastern Cuba, then pass across the Bahamas by October 29.
Between a mild tempest and a catastrophic hurricane, categorizing and understanding tropical storms can mean the difference between life and death. But what do these categories actually mean? And does everyone around the world use the same system? Click through this gallery to find out.