KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 3 storm late Saturday, bringing heavy rain and the risk of severe flooding to the northern Caribbean, particularly in Haiti and Jamaica. The storm formed on Saturday and quickly escalated, prompting U.S. forecasters to issue a hurricane warning for Jamaica. They indicated that Melissa could potentially strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned of "life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and landslides" expected in southern Hispaniola and Jamaica into early next week. As of late Saturday night, Melissa was located approximately 125 miles south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 280 miles west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 115 mph and was moving west at 3 mph.

Forecasters predict that Jamaica could receive up to 25 inches of rain, while the Tiburon peninsula in southwestern Haiti could see as much as 35 inches. In response to the storm, the Cuban government issued a hurricane watch for several provinces, including Granma and Santiago de Cuba.

The slow-moving storm has already resulted in fatalities, with at least three people reported dead in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. Another person is missing in the Dominican Republic. Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, stated, "Unfortunately for places along the projected path of this storm, it is increasingly dire," noting that the storm's slow movement could last for up to four days.

Melissa is expected to impact eastern Cuba early Wednesday, where some areas may receive up to 12 inches of rain. In Jamaica, authorities announced that the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston would close at 8 p.m. local time. The status of Sangster Airport in Montego Bay remains unclear. Over 650 shelters have been activated across Jamaica, and officials have prepared thousands of food packages for distribution if necessary.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents to take the storm seriously, stating, "Take all measures to protect yourself." He emphasized the importance of completing preparations before the storm's arrival.

In Haiti, authorities reported rising river levels and flooding, with a bridge destroyed in Sainte-Suzanne due to breached riverbanks. Ronald Délice, a civil protection director in Haiti, expressed concern about the storm's movement, as local officials organized food distribution efforts. Many residents are hesitant to evacuate their homes despite the risks.

The storm has also caused significant damage in the Dominican Republic, affecting nearly 200 homes and disrupting water supply systems for over half a million people. Additionally, it has downed trees and traffic lights, caused small landslides, and isolated more than two dozen communities due to flooding.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology warned that Melissa could bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to the Southeast and Central Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands by early next week. Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted an above-normal season with 13 to 18 named storms.