If Melissa maintains its current strength, it could become the strongest hurricane to make landfall over the island since the NHC started keeping records. The strongest hurricane on record to make landfall over Jamaica was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds of 130 mph.

Forecasters say Melissa poses little to no risk for Florida and the U.S. at this time.

“If those rains were to occur, you’re talking about catastrophic flooding potential,” said Jamie Rhome, the center’s deputy director.