'Catastrophic': Category 5 Hurricane Melissa grows stronger, nears landfall in Jamaica

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Extremely dangerous Category 5 Hurricane Melissa is slowly approaching Jamaica and will bring catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surge to the island, the National Hurricane Center said Tuesday.

Located about 40 miles southeast of Negril, Jamaica, Melissa is moving toward the north-northeast at 9 mph.

Maximum sustained winds are 185 mph.

Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters have found Melissa to be stronger as the northern eyewall approaches the southern coast of Jamaica. The eye of Melissa is expected to make landfall soon.

Melissa is expected to move over Jamaica today, across southeastern Cuba Wednesday morning, and across the southeastern or central Bahamas later Wednesday.

"This is an extremely dangerous and a life-threatening situation. Take action now to protect your life! Residents in the Jamaica should not leave their shelter as winds will rapidly increase within the eyewall of Melissa. Remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions," the NHC said.

"Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica and southeastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane, and it will still be at hurricane strength when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas," the NHC said.

Melissa is expected to bring rainfall of 15 to 30 inches to parts of Jamaica and 6 to 12 inches to southern Hispaniola through Wednesday, with a storm total of 40 inches possible, the NHC said.

Life-threatening storm surge is likely along the coast of Jamaica with heights that could reach 9 to 13 feet above ground level.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica and the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and the southeastern and central Bahamas.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Haiti, the Cuban province of Las Tunas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Project DYNAMO is preparing to deploy a rescue team and supplies to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. Those in need of assistance or loved ones in need are asked to fill out a request form online.