Hurricane Melissa over the Caribbean continues to gain strength and is expected to hit Jamaica in the next few hours as a category 5 hurricane, the highest category.

The authorities are warning of destructive and life-threatening flooding and landslides.

Melissa will hit the Caribbean island on Monday night/Tuesday morning with wind speeds of over 124 miles per hour. The west of the island will be particularly affected. As the hurricane is moving slowly, there is a risk of extreme rainfall.

The population of Jamaica has been urged to stay at home if possible. Even in the east of the island, wind speeds of around 62 miles per hour are expected. The airport in the capital Kingston has also been closed as a precautionary measure. Severe damage and storm surges are likely on the coast.

Melissa will subsequently move northwards and hit south-eastern Cuba over the course of Tuesday.