WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 storm as Jamaica prepares for destructive winds, storm surge and flooding today and into tonight.
As of the National Hurricane Center's 5 a.m. advisory, the storm is located about 130 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and is sustaining winds of 160 mph. The storm is moving west at 3 mph.
The storm is expected to strengthen further today before making landfall on Jamaica early Tuesday.
In the 5 a.m. advisory, the Bahamas issued a Hurricane Watch for the central and southeastern islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Jamaica and Cuba.
West Palm Beach
Locals with family in Jamaica 'hope for the best' as Melissa approaches
Melissa is expected to make a slow turn towards the north today, followed by a northeast acceleration starting Tuesday. The storm will travel across the Bahamas on Wednesday.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
