Hurricane Melissa has resumed intensifying in the Caribbean and is now a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 230 km/h, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

The hurricane is located about 185 km south southwest of Kingston and is moving slowly westward at 7 km/h, though it is expected to turn north before making landfall.

Melissa is forecast to strike Jamaica late on Monday night or early Tuesday morning, bringing what forecasters describe as life-threatening flash flooding and widespread landslides.

Rainfall totals could reach 75 centimetres in parts of Jamaica, with isolated peaks of up to one metre in mountainous areas.

Authorities warn that rivers and mountain slopes in the country are highly vulnerable after several days of already wet conditions.

Hurricane warnings are in place for all of Jamaica and across eastern Cuba, including the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo and Holguín. A hurricane watch and tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Haiti’s southwestern peninsula where access, infrastructure and emergency services are already limited.

On its current path, Melissa is expected to cross near or over Jamaica on Tuesday before tracking across southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night and passing through the Bahamas midweek. Forecasters say the hurricane will remain a major storm during this period, with destructive winds near the core extending roughly 45 km from the centre and tropical storm force winds spreading out more than 300 km.

Storm surge heights of up to four metres are expected along Jamaica’s southern coastline, particularly east of the point of landfall, with large and dangerous waves likely to compound coastal flooding. Eastern Cuba may experience surges of up to three metres as the storm moves ashore on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

Swells generated by the hurricane are already affecting coastal waters around Jamaica, Hispaniola and eastern Cuba, with forecasters warning of hazardous sea conditions and strong rip currents. These conditions are expected to spread into the Bahamas and Bermuda later in the week.

Emergency officials across the region have urged residents to complete all preparations today, emphasising that conditions will deteriorate quickly once tropical storm force winds arrive. The hurricane’s slow movement is expected to intensify rainfall impacts, particularly in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, where mountainous terrain greatly increases the risk of sudden flooding and fast-moving landslides.

Government agencies in Jamaica and Cuba have prepared shelters and advised residents in vulnerable coastal and hillside communities to relocate. Haiti faces similar threats, though persistent political instability, damaged infrastructure and limited emergency capacity may complicate evacuation efforts.

Further updates are expected through Monday as Melissa begins its anticipated turn northward. Officials have asked the public to follow guidance from national meteorological services and local authorities.