However, Melissa could be the most powerful hurricane ever to hit Jamaica, according to the NHC. It's forecast to bring "life-threatening and potentially catastrophic" flash flooding and landslides to the area and the southern parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba over the next few days.

A strengthening Melissa grew into a Category 4 hurricane and could reach Category 5 status by Sunday night, unleashing torrential rain and threatening to cause catastrophic flooding in the northern Ca...

"This extreme rainfall potential, owing to the slow motion, is going to create a catastrophic event here for Jamaica," Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC), sa...

"The exceptionally warm waters, reaching hundreds of feet deep, will act like jet fuel — providing extra energy for Melissa," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

Evacuations are underway as the island braces for its first major hurricane of this strength on record.