In the Atlantic, Storm Melissa has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane and threatens catastrophic consequences in the Caribbean region.

As Ukrinform reports, this was reported by Reuters with reference to the US National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 137 mph (220 km/h) and is expected to strengthen as it heads toward Jamaica.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned about this on Sunday.

Melissa is located about 180 km south of the Jamaican capital Kingston  and is expected to reach the island on Monday night or Tuesday morning, before covering southeastern Cuba late Tuesday evening, the NHC said.

The consequences of the hurricane will be catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges expected in the region.

As Ukrinform reported, the first tropical storm in the new hurricane season in the Atlantic was registered by forecasters at the end of July.