The storm will hit Bermuda on Thursday afternoon or evening, after Jamaica faced the devastation from one of the most powerful storms ever recorded.

However, scientists said, the world is measurably warmer than it was a century ago. Hurricane hotspots like the Caribbean Sea and parts of the Atlantic Ocean are hotter, giving Melissa additional fuel to become powerful. That warmer water also makes for a more humid atmosphere; storms can more easily wring more rain out of wetter air.

One week after the category 5 ‘Storm of the Century’ first hit the Caribbean, residents have been left picking up the pieces. Olivia Ireland and Alex Croft report on the sizeable task ahead

At least five people have been killed on the island nation after the powerful category 5 storm hit earlier this week, with at least 20 left dead in Haiti.

Hurricane Melissa was the most powerful hurricane to lash the island since record-keeping began 174 years ago.