Melissa stands out as one of the most powerful in a series of massive Atlantic storms, scientists say

Scientists say Hurricane Melissa defied expectations, powering up despite at least three atmospheric factors that typically weaken major storms. They noted with some astonishment that while many modern hurricanes undergo rapid intensification, which is often an increase of 35 mph in 24 hours, Melissa went far beyond that. It experienced extreme rapid intensification, strengthening by nearly 70 mph in just a day, and then surged again in a rare second burst that drove its winds to 175 mph.