Hurricane Melissa LIVE as 'catastrophic' storm hits Jamaica with 185mph winds - updates

Hurricane Melissa is set to hit the Caribbean island of Jamaica, with wind speeds already recorded at 185mph.

The hurricane, which is potentially the most severe storm ever to hit the country, made landfall on Tuesday evening (UK time).

The US National Hurricane Centre in Miami said the hurricane has hit southwestern Jamaica near New Hope with estimated maximum sustained winds of 185mph.

As many as 8,000 British citizens are currently in the country, with tourists urged to follow the advice of local authorities and to register their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The FCDO said catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely in the coming hours, with up to 700mm of rain and four-metre waves.

The Jamaican government has ordered evacuations from high-risk areas, and all of the country’s airports are shut.

Melissa intensified to Category 5 strength as it neared Jamaica – the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Follow the latest updates below.

Videos are beginning to circulate on social media of the situation on the ground as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall.

Video shows flooding in Spalding village in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall.

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Today's hurricane is set to be the strongest to hit the island since records began, PA has reported.

The category five hurricane will be the strongest since records began 174 years ago.

The Foreign Secretary Yvete Cooper has commented on the hurricane in Parliament today (October 28) offering support and solidarity to Jamaica.

She described it as 'potentially the most severe storm' in the country's history.

"Reportedly seven people have already lost their lives," she continued.