As of 5 p.m. ET Tuesday, Melissa was still a powerful Category 4 storm, with winds of 145 mph. The hurricane is centered about 15 miles east of Montego Bay and about 200 miles southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. It is moving north-northeast at 8 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Hurricane Melissa brought devastation and death to the Caribbean as it tore through the region as one of the most powerful storms on earth in more than 150 years.

The WXII 12 First Warning Weather Team is monitoring Hurricane Melissa that is moving over the central and southern Bahamas and strengthening. Forecast track takes it over the Atlantic next quickly and then near Bermuda.

Forecasters say Melissa is moving toward the north-northeast at around 21 mph and is expected to continue accelerating northeastward.

Hurricane Melissa is on track to pass through the southeastern islands of the Bahamas, which are sparsely populated compared to the islands in the north of the archipelago. The two islands that are in the storm’s direct path, Crooked Island and Long Island, have a total population of just a few thousand people.

Watch Jamaica live webcams capture Hurricane Melissa's landfall. Live webcam video as tropical storm nears Kingston, Montego Bay, Treasure Beach and more.