Ponding and localized urban flooding is a possibility. In addition to the heavy rain, a rumble or two of thunder is possible as the Storm Prediction Center has parts of our region, mainly south of Philadelphia, under the marginal risk category, which is a level 1 risk — isolated strong to severe storms possible.

According to a National Weather Service forecast office in South Carolina, Gulf states typically spend more time in the forecast cone. Not so this year.

With peak sustained winds of 185 mph and even higher gusts, Hurricane Melissa is forecast to be the strongest storm ever to strike Jamaica.