Jamaican officials warn conditions will soon worsen as Hurricane Melissa approaches

Where will Melissa hit the hardest?

Hurricane Melissa is about to make landfall in Jamaica, with some areas likely to be more affected than others.

Its central parishes (provinces) will be most at risk for rainfall, with that risk extending into the west as well, according to Evan Thompson, principal director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service.

The projected landfall is near Parottee, Saint Elizabeth — the southwest of the island — with the storm expected to go northeast before exiting the island, Thompson told local news site Jamaica Observer.

The New York Times is reporting that winds could be significantly stronger in Jamaica’s mountains, which cover nearly half the country.

Thompson cautioned that other parishes will also experience severe weather, including landslides, storm surges and damaging winds.

“There is very little that can stop a Category 5 hurricane,” Thompson said. “Regardless of where you are, if you are under the impact of those Category 5 hurricane-force winds, you will be having significant difficulty, especially with infrastructure that’s in the area.”