WASHINGTON — Hurricane Melissa, now a powerful, Category 5 storm, is forecast to be the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica since recordkeeping began 174 years ago.

According to the National Hurricane Center , it is bound to bring life-threatening winds, floods and storm surge.

Hours before the storm, the Jamaican government said it had done all it could to prepare as it warned of catastrophic damage.

As of 11a.m. Eastern Tuesday, Melissa had gained strength as a Category 5 hurricane, centered about 40 miles south-southeast of Negril, Jamaica, and about 235 miles southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba, moving north, northeast at 9 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Winds are currently at 185 miles per hour.

After hitting Jamaica, Melissa also is exp

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