Melissa could be one of the most intense, devastating hurricanes on record in Jamaica, with widespread flooding, landslides and destructive winds. Flooding rain is also a grave concern in Hispaniola.

Tropical Storm Melissa has strengthened into a hurricane and is expected to become a major hurricane by the end of the weekend, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said on Saturday.

Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are expected for Jamaica and Haiti, and possible for the Dominican Republic.