Melissa is a Category 5 storm with sustained wind speeds of 185 mph (295 kph). It was expected to slice diagonally across the island, entering near St.

The Category 5 storm ravaged western Jamaica and drenched the small community of New River, where residents were coping with a massive clean up. At least 19 people have died nationwide, officials said.

The Jamaican government is urging residents to stay alert for crocodiles after days of torrential rain and flooding from Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa is making landfall in Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the strongest to hit the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago.

A viral clip of a shark swimming through flooded streets in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa was confirmed to be AI-generated.

Across Jamaica, streets are littered with torn-off roofs, splintered wood and other debris left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Downed power lines have left communities in the dark, and many flooded and wind-damaged homes are unlivable.