The storm hit 75 mph winds to attain hurricane status on Saturday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center said. A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when its winds reach 74 mph. Melissa is set to become a major hurricane before the end of the weekend.

The decision limits aid that will flow to rural power cooperatives, which are already raising rates to cover damage from the devastating storm.

Former MIT women's basketball coach and New York Liberty assistant Sonia Raman has been named head coach of the Seattle Storm, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Friday.

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to bring days of heavy rain to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica and may trigger life-threatening flash flooding, the National Hurricane Center says.

The storm will bring heavy rain, high-elevation snow, strong winds, and significant waves to three states on the West Coast.

Wicked weather for Halloween is not a lock. But forecasters are keeping a close eye on potential rain showers or a coastal storm.

Rain and wind warnings have come into force across parts of the UK as Storm Benjamin bears down on the country. Commuters have been warned of heavy rain and winds of up to 70mph (112km/h) on Thursday, with the most significant impact expected in the early hours of the morning.