Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm, bringing heavy rains, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges to the Caribbean. Jamaica and Haiti are now bracing for what forecasters warn could be one of the most dangerous hurricanes in recent decades.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Melissa was located about 125 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds reaching 145 miles per hour. The storm is moving slowly westward, which increases the risk of prolonged rainfall and flooding across the region.

Authorities in Jamaica have closed airports and opened more than 650 emergency shelters, urging residents in flood-prone and coastal areas to evacuate. The government has declared a state of high alert as meteorologists predict up to 30 inches of rain in some parts of the island, with localized areas possibly receiving even more. A storm surge of up to 13 feet is expected along southern coastal regions.

In Haiti, the situation has already turned deadly. At least three people have lost their lives, and widespread flooding has damaged homes and cut off communities. A major bridge collapse has further hampered rescue operations, adding to the country’s ongoing struggles with poor infrastructure and political instability.

Cuba has also issued hurricane warnings for its eastern provinces, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín. Authorities there are preparing for heavy rains and high winds as the storm moves closer to the island.

Meteorologists warn that Melissa could strengthen further before making landfall, and its slow movement means the same areas may endure hours of relentless rain and wind. The National Hurricane Center has also cautioned that the storm’s path could bring severe impacts to the southeastern Bahamas later in the week.

Local leaders across the Caribbean are urging residents to take evacuation orders seriously. “We must prioritize safety and act before the storm arrives,” Jamaica’s Prime Minister said in a televised address.

Hurricane Melissa’s impact is expected to be widespread, with threats of flash flooding, landslides, and power outages across the region. Relief agencies and neighboring countries are preparing to assist with emergency aid and post-storm recovery efforts.

As the Caribbean braces for the full force of the hurricane, authorities continue to monitor Melissa’s path closely, warning that its slow progress could make it one of the most devastating storms the region has faced in years.