Jamaica is on the cusp of disaster. Melissa, the strongest hurricane since 1988, is approaching as the most powerful hurricane in the island's modern history.

Arab Weather - Jamaica is bracing for Category 5 Hurricane Melissa , the strongest since 1988, amid warnings of flooding, landslides, and strong winds that could hit the island Tuesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Melissa is one of the most intense hurricanes to hit the Caribbean in recent decades, with wind speeds exceeding 250 kilometers per hour. Its slow movement increases the duration of the island's exposure to strong winds and heavy rains, making its impact catastrophic.

The hurricane's eye wall threatens to swallow the island.

Jamaica is directly in the path of Hurricane Melissa's eye, which is the most powerful and destructive part. "Unfortunately for Jamaica, it looks like they're going to experience the most intense phase of the hurricane in decades," said Diana Hines, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Illinois.

Record rainfall and catastrophic flooding

The National Hurricane Center expects parts of Jamaica to receive more than 760 mm of rain, enough to sweep away large vehicles and completely submerge low-lying areas.

The rugged mountainous terrain increases the risk of sudden landslides, a scenario reminiscent of the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas in 2017, which dumped more than 1,270 mm of rain and killed at least 89 people.

Official warnings and government alert

Prime Minister Andrew Holness called on residents to immediately evacuate coastal and low-lying areas, stressing that "there is no infrastructure in the region capable of withstanding a Category 5 hurricane." He added that the government has put in place contingency plans for recovery after the hurricane passes.

Impacts extend beyond Jamaica

Melissa's influence is not limited to Jamaica, as it is expected to extend to:

• Eastern Cuba: Rainfall up to 500 mm
• Southeast Bahamas: 250 mm
• Haiti and Dominican Republic: Floods and landslides

Climate change and its impact on the severity of hurricanes

Meteorologists point out that warming oceans contributed to Melissa's strength, while studies have shown that slower-moving, more powerful hurricanes have become more common in recent years, increasing the likelihood of such disasters.