Kingston [ Jamaica ], October 26 (ANI/WAM): Hurricane Melissa rapidly strengthened into a major Category 3 hurricane as it unleashed torrential rain in the northern Caribbean and threatened catastrophic flooding and landslides in Jamaica and southern Haiti.

US forecasters warned that the slow-moving Melissa is expected to strengthen further and be a major hurricane when making landfall in Jamaica early next week. It should be near or over Cuba by the middle of the week.

"I urge Jamaica ns to take this weather threat seriously," said Jamaica n Prime Minister Andrew Holness. "Take all measures to protect yourself."

Melissa was centred about 125 miles (200 kilometres) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica , and about 280 miles (455 kilometres) west-southwest of Port-au-Prince, H

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