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One of the most powerful hurricanes in the history of the Atlantic has taken form as a Category 5 storm.
WASHINGTON — Hurricane Melissa has made its formidable presence known by making landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane.
The hurricane struck the southwest coast of Jamaica near New Hope, unleashing ferocious winds reaching 185 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami, which reported this development at 1 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday.
Prior to the storm’s impact, both officials and residents steeled themselves for the anticipated devastation, including severe winds, flash floods, and landslides, from this historically powerful hurricane.
At 11 a.m. Eastern, the National Hurricane Center issued an urgent warning to those in Jamaica to “TAKE COVER NOW!”
The agency emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing it as “AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION.”
The director of the hurricane center warned that Jamaica’s highest mountains could see wind gusts up to 200 mph.
“It’s just a catastrophic situation playing out here for Jamaica,” Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, said, warning that there would be “total building failures.”
The Jamaican government said it had done all it could to prepare as it warned of devastating damage from the strongest hurricane to hit the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago.
Where is Hurricane Melissa going?
After Jamaica, the storm is expected to hit Cuba late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Hurricane Melissa tracker
Hurricane Melissa livestreams and videos in Jamaica
Multiple street cameras from across the island via See Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa updates
Live updates from the Associated Press
Hurricane Melissa is set to hit Jamaica as its strongest storm since records began
Click here for your local weather forecast from your trusted team of meteorologists.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
