The National Hurricane Center has issued major warnings in anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall. The massive Category 5 hurricane is expected to devastate the country with powerful storms, life-threatening flooding, and strong winds.

According to ABC News, Hurricane Melissa is currently expected to become the worst storm in the nation’s history.

In a Monday morning update, the National Hurricane Center warned that Hurricane Melissa has become a “Category 5 hurricane with 160 mph winds.” Fox Weather reported that Hurricane Melissa has already claimed three lives in the Dominican Republic and three lives in Haiti prior to making landfall in Jamaica.

A National Hurricane Center warning obtained by Fox Weather warned, “Do not venture out of your safe shelter.”

“Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely (Monday) through Tuesday,” the National Hurricane Center stated. “Destructive winds, especially in the mountains, will begin by (Monday) evening, leading to extensive infrastructural damage, long-lasting power and communication outages, and isolated communities.”

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According to ABC News, the Jamaican government activated its emergency operations center last week and placed fuel, generators, and medical supplies in key areas ahead of Hurricane Melissa. The outlet noted that mandatory evacuation orders for parts of Kingston and other areas in Jamaica were also issued by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Sunday.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Holness wrote, “I urge every Jamaican to prepare, stay indoors during the storm, and comply with evacuation orders. Check on your neighbours, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and continue to pray for our nation’s safety. We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger.”

ABC News reported that the U.S. Navy evacuated 1,000 nonessential military personnel, family members, residents, and pets from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in anticipation of the hurricane.

On Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica issued an alert warning that Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica on Monday or Tuesday and that the hurricane could result in 15 to 30 inches of rain in the region.

“Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are likely,” the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica warned. “This is a dangerous storm. U.S. citizens potentially in the path of the hurricane should decide whether to leave now while some flights are still available or be prepared to shelter in place.”