Powerful Category 5 Hurricane Melissa will be making landfall over Jamaica today and is already bringing catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surge.

A series of weather systems have contributed to heavy rain and dangerous surf across parts of the Southeast, especially in Florida, but the well-timed systems also are part of a weather pattern that's forecast to help spare the mainland U.S. from any direct impacts from powerful Hurricane Melissa.

Some travel plans in Central Florida are being altered due to Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane.

Tropical Storm Melissa could reach Category 5 as it rapidly intensifies, with forecasters warning of a potential 'humanitarian disaster' while impacts will be felt as far as Florida next week

Hurricane Melissa strengthens to Cat 4 near Jamaica as Sarasota-area festival is cancelled over unrelated 15 mph winds.

The hot ocean temperatures and dry air are primed for a potentially explosive hurricane to erupt, with some severe weather impacts possible for Florida.