Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 5 storm Monday as it drew closer to Jamaica, where forecasters expected it to unleash catastrophic flooding, landslides and widespread damage.

Melissa rapidly intensified over the weekend and is now a Category 5 hurricane with 160 mph winds. Its outer bands are already lashing Jamaica with wind and rain.

Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are probable across portions of southern Hispaniola and Jamaica, the NHC said.