Jamaican officials warned residents Sunday to take the hurricane seriously as it is expected to bring heavy rain and cause “catastrophic” flash flooding. As the storm inches closer to the island, many residents are choosing not to evacuate.

When Melissa departs the Caribbean later next week, it may contribute to stormy conditions along much of the United States East Coast with a new round of rough surf and beach erosion in some areas.

Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a hurricane and could soon rapidly intensify into a monstrous Category 4 or 5 storm.

The NEXT Weather Team is tracking Hurricane Melissa as it spins through the Caribbean this weekend. Melissa intensified Saturday afternoon into a Category 1 hurricane. It will continue to strengthen before making landfall as a Major Category 4 hurricane in Jamaica on Tuesday.