TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Extremely dangerous Category 5 Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica and will bring catastrophic winds, flash flooding and storm surge to the island, the National Hurricane Center said Tuesday.

The eye of the storm made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica at around 1 p.m.

Maximum sustained winds are 185 mph.

Melissa is expected to move over Jamaica today, across southeastern Cuba Wednesday morning, and across the southeastern or central Bahamas later Wednesday.

"This is an extremely dangerous and a life-threatening situation. Take action now to protect your life! Residents in the Jamaica should not leave their shelter as winds will rapidly increase within the eyewall of Melissa. Remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions," the NHC sai

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