Jamaica has ordered the evacuation of its capital as it braces for what’s thought to become the most “catastrophic” hurricane in the island’s history.

Hurricane Melissa is set to bring catastrophic winds, flooding and storm surge to Jamaica, forecasters have warned.

Prime minister expects 'loss of life' after powerful hurricane damages homes, hospitals and inundates parishes.

Melissa made landfall on Jamaica's southwestern coast around midday Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds of 185 mph, making it the strongest hurricane of the Atlantic season to date and the most powerful hurricane to ever hit the island.

As Melissa hit Jamaica with a sustained speed of 185 mph near New Hope, landslides, uprooting of trees and several power outages were reported across the island.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope on Tuesday. The Category 5 storm is the strongest to ever hit the Caribbean island.

Oral Cockett, a manager at GoldenKrust Caribbean Restaurant near NRG Stadium in Houston, has been in the city for just five months on a work visa. He is glued to his phone, waiting for updates from his family back home.

From his Donna’s Caribbean Restaurant in Margate, Karl Gordon was hungry for updates from Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa made landfall at about 1 p.m. Tuesday in New Hope.