Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in New Hope in Westmoreland, on Jamaica's south coast, becoming the most powerful hurricane to strike the island.

Landfall was reported around noon Tuesday

The storm has already brought catastrophic winds, torrential rain, and a life-threatening storm surge, leaving thousands without power and Internet, and flooded communities.

The US National Hurricane Center confirmed that Melissa's eye crossed the coastline on Tuesday.

The Category 5 system is one of the most intense hurricanes on record.

It is packing winds of more than 185 mph (295 km/h) and moving at 9 mph (15 km/h).

Jamaica's central and western parishes are expected to bear the brunt of the hurricane.

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