ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Hurricane Melissa has rapidly strengthened in the Caribbean and has its sights set on Jamaica and several neighboring islands. <\/p>\n
The system is currently a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140 mph, moving west at a slow 5 mph. Satellite images confirm the hurricane\u2019s well-defined eye remains over the Caribbean Sea, with outer rain bands already reaching the Dominican Republic.<\/p>\n
Hurricane Melissa<\/p>\n
The latest advisory (8 a.m.) from the National Hurricane Center confirms Melissa is likely to ramp up further, with forecasts suggesting it could become a Category 5 hurricane by Monday. <\/p>\n
8 a.m.<\/p>\n
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it\u2019s FREE)<\/a> | PINIT! Share your photos<\/a>] <\/p>\n It\u2019s expected to make landfall near Kingston, Jamaica as early as Tuesday, likely during the afternoon, with predicted winds as high as 155 mph. <\/p>\n After hitting Jamaica, Melissa is forecast to head toward Cuba and later, the Bahamas, potentially bringing major impacts along its path.<\/p>\n 8 a.m.Life-threatening impacts: Rainfall, damaging winds, and storm surge possible<\/p>\n Hurricane Melissa is not just a wind threat \u2014 life-threatening rainfall, flash flooding, and mudslides are all possible as the storm moves through. <\/p>\n With the hurricane inching forward at a crawl, damaging winds could persist for days. <\/p>\n Days of heavy rain in highlighted green areas expected<\/p>\n Power outages and structural damage are likely across Jamaica, as well as in parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.<\/p>\n Rainfall GFSRainfall EURO<\/p>\n The slow movement means heavy rain and high winds will linger, increasing the risk of widespread disruption and making it harder for communities to recover quickly. Storm surge may also pose a significant hazard along vulnerable coastlines.<\/p>\n Tropical AlertsOfficial advisories and continued coverage<\/p>\n The National Hurricane Center is providing ongoing updates, with the next track update expected at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n See something in your area? Share your weather photos and videos with ClickOrlando.com using PinIt!<\/a><\/p>\n