KINGSTON, Jamaica, 28 October (H.S.): Brutal winds and heavy rains lashed Jamaica on Monday as the island nation prepared for a direct hit from Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm that officials warn could be the most violent on record to strike the country. Landfall is anticipated early Tuesday.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a grim forecast, stating that infrastructure in the storm’s path is unlikely to withstand the assault and warning of significant dislocation. With maximum sustained winds of 175 miles per hour, Melissa is moving at a dangerously slow pace of just three miles per hour, which is expected to prolong the period of destructive weather.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center has predicted catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and a life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet.

Despite official pleas to evacuate, many residents have opted to ride out the storm, citing poor conditions at government shelters or a reluctance to leave their homes.The hurricane has already been blamed for at least four fatalities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. After striking Jamaica, Melissa is forecast to move over eastern Cuba.

Climate scientists have pointed to the storm’s rapid intensification and immense rainfall as characteristics exacerbated by a warming climate.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar