Hurricane Melissa Approaching Jamaica As Category 5

Hurricane Melissa will be the strongest storm to hit the island since records began in 1851 and the world's most powerful so far this year,

Hurricane Melissa is approaching Jamaica as a Category 5 storm.

The level of intensity marks the strongest storm to hit the island since records began in 1851 and the world’s most powerful so far this year, with maximum sustained winds near 175 mph.

The storm has already been blamed for three deaths in Jamaica, and four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica’s prime minister has ordered mandatory evacuation of low lying areas amid warnings of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and extensive infrastructure damage. He also said that they have done all they can do to prepare ahead of time. At this time it’s about riding out the storm and shifting focus to recovering in the aftermath.

Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday. Tens of thousands of customers have already experienced power outages as the slow-moving storm approaches.