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Forecasters have warned of 'catastrophic' flash flooding and landslides as Hurricane Melissa nears Jamaica.

The storm intensified to category 5 strength as it neared the Caribbean nation on Monday (October 27). It is forecast to make landfall on the island on Tuesday and cross Cuba and the Bahamas through to Wednesday.

Melissa is the strongest hurricane in recent history forecast to directly hit Jamaica, warned Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica's meteorological service.

The US National Hurricane Centre in Miami said the hurricane had sustained winds of 160 mph (260 kph) early on Monday, when Melissa was centred about 135 miles (220 kilometres) south-west of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 320 miles (515 kilometres) south-west of Guantanamo, Cub.

"Do not venture o

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