TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — "Extremely dangerous" Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, bringing 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.

As of the NHC's 5 p.m. update, Melissa's maximum sustained winds are 145 mph, making it a Category 4 storm.

Melissa is expected to move 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

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