A rapidly intensifying Hurricane Melissa is poised to deliver potentially devastating effects to Jamaica and eastern Cuba in the coming days, the National Hurricane Center said Saturday night.

As of 8 p.m., Melissa was located about 130 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph.

The hurricane is moving slowly westward at 3 mph and is expected to strengthen significantly.

The National Hurricane Center warns that Melissa is forecast to become a major hurricane, potentially reaching Category 5 intensity with winds up to 160 mph by early next week.

A hurricane warning is currently in effect for Jamaica, with hurricane watches issued for southwestern Haiti and eastern Cuban provinces.

“Life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are e

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