Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to the highest category 5 in a day and is approaching Jamaica, bringing destructive winds and storm surges that could cause catastrophic flooding.

This was reported by Sky News, Ukrinform reports.

The Jamaica Meteorological Service has predicted that Melissa could be the most powerful hurricane to hit the country in decades, with up to 101 cm of rain expected in some areas, potentially causing catastrophic flash flooding and landslides.

According to updated data from the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), the maximum sustained wind speed of the hurricane is 260 km/h. Residents were advised to evacuate to shelters.

"Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Some further strengthening is forecast today with possible fluctuations in intensity before Melissa reaches Jamaica early Tuesday morning," the NHC said in a statement.

The hurricane is expected to produce a storm surge of up to 4 m, which poses a threat to life, as well as destructive hurricane conditions.

Jamaica's two main airports were closed on Sunday, and nearly 900 shelters were opened across the country for residents.

As Ukrinform reported, in the Atlantic, storm Melissa has become a Category 4 hurricane and threatens catastrophic consequences in the Caribbean region.