The Caribbean is bracing for Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful to ever strike the region. Strengthened to a category 5 storm, it is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane on the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica on Monday (October 27). A British holidaymaker has revealed that he is among at least 200 people from the UK that have been locked down in a hotel until at least Wednesday. "If I knew that the hurricane would hit while I was out here, I wouldn't have gone at all," said Andrew Tracey. "It's hard to comprehend what we're about to expect."

Winds are expected to peak at 160mph, making it the strongest of only five hurricanes ever recorded to hit Jamaica directly. UK holidaymakers are being warned of "catastrophic flash floods and landslides". The Foreign Office warns: "It is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica. There are estimates for up to 700mm of rain, storm surges around coastal areas bringing waves of up to 4 metres, and winds of up to 135mph. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely."

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