Hurricane Melissa could be strongest to ever hit Jamaica

People in Jamaica are bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which is predicted to unleash devastating winds and bring catastrophic flooding to the Caribbean country in the coming hours.

The US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Melissa was upgraded to a category five hurricane (maximum strength) early on Monday.

Authorities fear Melissa, which has been blamed for the deaths of four people on the island of Hispaniola, could be the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica.

The Jamaican government has ordered the evacuation of parts of the capital, Kingston, and the entire island is classified as “threatened”.

A 9 a.m. update from the NHC said Melissa was approximately 130 miles (209 km) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica.

Forecasters warned that the maximum sustained wind speed was 160mph (260km/h) and could become stronger over the next 12 to 24 hours.

If it continues on its predicted path, its core is expected to “pass near or over Jamaica tonight and Tuesday, southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and southeastern Bahamas Wednesday.”

The storm is particularly slow-moving, making it quite dangerous in terms of expected rainfall amounts.

Up to 40 inches (100 cm) of rain is likely to fall in parts of Jamaica over the next four days, according to the NHC.

Forecasters warn that destructive winds and life-threatening storm surge are expected to hit Jamaica overnight or early Tuesday.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered the immediate evacuation of some vulnerable communities on the island.

Authorities also urged residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas to seek shelter in safer areas.

Jamaican Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie told local media that all 881 shelters on the island are open.

It is known that at least three people died and hundreds of houses were flooded in Haiti as Melissa brought heavy rain to the island of Hispaniola.

One person also died in the Dominican Republic, located in the east of Hispaniola.

Local media reported that the victim was a 79-year-old man who was swept away by floodwaters in the capital Santo Domingo.

A 13-year-old boy who was swept away by a strong current while swimming in the sea was also reported missing.

Many people who were trapped in their vehicles due to rising flood waters were rescued.