Houston is bracing for the worst as forecasters warn of strong storms and severe weather expected to pound the city Friday night, bringing the threat of heavy rain, lightning, and potential flooding through Saturday morning.

From Mitch and Sandy to Wilma and Hazel, deadly and destructive October hurricanes have left their mark over the decades.

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane this weekend, as Jamaica and parts of the northern Caribbean gear up for the worst-case scenario.Jamaica and Haiti are at the centre of Melissa's rage,

People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week.