The storm, which threatens to dump up to one metre of rain, is moving at a worryingly slow pace.

Based on historical data, a hurricane hits Jamaica about once every 10-11 years, on average.

The erratic storm was expected to drop copious rain on Jamaica and the southern regions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through the weekend.

Tropical Storm Melissa is nearly stationary in the central Caribbean, with forecasters warning it could soon strengthen and brush past Jamaica as a powerful hurricane.

Jamaica prepares for Melissa's arrival as forecasts predict over 72 hours of hurricane conditions and heavy rainfall.

The erratic and slow-moving storm has killed at least three people in Haiti and a fourth person in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.

Melissa is expected to strengthen even further into a major catastrophic hurricane when making landfall in Jamaica.

The rare highest-strength storm is set to hit Jamaica by Tuesday, having already caused two deaths in Haiti.

Hurricane Melissa strengthened into a major Category 4 hurricane, with the possibility of intensifying to a Category 5 storm Sunday night.

Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a major Category 4 hurricane, with the possibility of intensifying to a Category 5 storm.

Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a major Category 4 hurricane, with the possibility of intensifying to a Category 5 storm.

Storm could intensify further, threatening to cause catastrophic flooding in the northern Caribbean, including Haiti

Hurricane Melissa is expected to continue to gain force as it threatens catastrophic damage to Jamaica. Latest updates.

Residents in Jamaica prepared for Hurricane Melissa as it strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane on Sunday (26 October). Melissa, the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane…

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the Category 4 was packing maximum winds of about 145 miles per hour – and would likely intensify into a top-level Category 5 storm…

The storm, which threatens to dump up to one metre of rain, is moving at a worryingly slow pace.

Record-breaking hurricane expected to make landfall on Tuesday with 160mph winds, while New Zealand reels from storm damage

Forecasters are warning residents of Jamaica to "seek shelter now," as Melissa, a Category 4 hurricane, was making its way toward the Caribbean island nation early Monday.

Melissa is forecast to make landfall on the island Tuesday and cross Cuba and the Bahamas through Wednesday.

Hurricane Melissa has been upgraded to a Category 5 storm, with destructive winds, storm surge, and catastrophic flooding expected to intensify in Jamaica, the National Hurricane…

Jamaicans urged to seek shelter immediately, and Cuba, Haiti and Dominican Republic also threatened