Hurricane Melissa forecast to become Category 5; seek shelter in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa is forecasted to become a rare Category 5 hurricane tonight, prompting officials to advise residents in Jamaica to seek shelter immediately. As of Sunday morning, the storm is classified as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140 mph.

The center of Hurricane Melissa is located approximately 120 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and is moving westward at a speed of 5 mph. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that damaging winds and heavy rainfall are expected today and into Monday, which could lead to catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides.

Heavy rainfall is already affecting parts of Haiti, and tropical storm conditions are likely occurring in Jamaica. The NHC has indicated that the torrential rains will persist for several days, resulting in potentially catastrophic impacts.

Residents are urged to take the necessary precautions and seek shelter as the strongest winds are anticipated to arrive Monday night and Tuesday morning.

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