Maximum sustained winds from the Category 5 storm are near 175 mph with higher gusts, according to the latest data from the NHC.

Hurricane Melissa was expected to bring severe damage as it makes landfall on Tuesday (October 28) in Jamaica with storm surges, flash floods and landslides.

It is expected to slice diagonally across the island, entering near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and exiting around St. Ann parish in the north, before heading for Cuba.