What we know about the powerful hurricane approaching Jamaica

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 up to 40 inches and it could cause a "life-threatening" storm surge on Jamaica's southern coast, peaking around 13ft above ground level, the US centre said.

The storm is expected to be particularly bad along the coast of Kingston, which is home to critical infrastructure, including Jamaica's main international airport and power plants. Live updates as hurricane approaches Jamaica's prime minister Andrew Holness said he expected "major damage to our road infrastructure, bridges, drains and possibly some damage to ports and airports" and warned it would take "far more resources than Jamaica has to recover".

There are 850 shelters across the island, he added, enough for more than 20,000 people. Jamaica has a population of roughly 2.8 million.

All of Jamaica is expected to experience hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall and flooding, and aid group the Red Cross says it is preparing for up to 1.5 million people to be directly affected. Has anyone died because of the hurricane? Officials have said the storm is already responsible for at least seven deaths in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.

The three deaths in Jamaica happened during preparations for the storm's arrival as people were cutting trees, health minister Christopher Tufton said. Thirteen people were injured, mostly due to falling off ladders and rooftops.

He urged Jamaicans to be careful during preparations, adding they should ensure all homes are stocked with enough drinking water and non-perishable food. On Monday evening Matthew Samuda, the environment minister, said the time to prepare for the storm was over and that "the time now is to listen to instruction.