However, Melissa could be the most powerful hurricane ever to hit Jamaica, according to the NHC. It's forecast to bring "life-threatening and potentially catastrophic" flash flooding and landslides to the area and the southern parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba over the next few days.

Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to a Category 5 storm and is expected to produce catastrophic floods and heavy infrastructure damage in Jamaica.

Widespread damage to property and infrastructure is expected and some were already in storm shelters Sunday Night.