Hurricane Melissa, the world's most powerful hurricane of the year so far, is closing in on Jamaica, with forecasters warning it could have a "catastrophic" impact.

The Category 5 hurricane has reached speeds of 175mph, already making it one of the strongest ever in the Atlantic basin.

A storm of Category 4 or higher has not hit Jamaica since records began 174 years ago.

It is expected to make landfall in the coming hours, continuing towards eastern Cuba and across the southeastern or central Bahamas.

Here's what we know so far.

How bad could it be?

"Catastrophic" flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely when the hurricane hits, according to the US National Hurricane Centre, which warned of "total structural failure".

Parts of the Caribbean island could see rainfall of

See Full Page