Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph.
It marks the strongest direct hit on the island nation in 174 years, surpassing Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
The storm entered near New Hope in Saint Elizabeth Parish and is expected to exit around Saint Ann Parish in the north.
Forecasters warn of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and widespread damage, with up to 30 inches of rain possible in central areas.
The Red Cross has activated 388 shelters, housing over 5,000 evacuees.
At least seven deaths have been reported across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica from falling trees and electrocution during preparations.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center confirmed landfall around 1 p.m. ET, with the eyewall bringing catastrophic wind damage and a 9-to-13-foot storm surge.
Director Michael Brennan urged residents to stay indoors, warning of total building failures.
About 240,000 people lost power before landfall as the grid strained.
The storm's slow movement at 9 mph will prolong exposure, exacerbating risks of flooding and landslides.
A restaurant owner in Alligator Pond reported the coastline was gone.
Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters encountered heavy turbulence while entering the eye.
Authorities in eastern Cuba are evacuating over 200,000 people from Holguin province and a similar number from Banes, with buses transporting residents to shelters.
Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez called the phenomenon unprecedented.
Melissa is expected to cross eastern Cuba Tuesday night into Wednesday as a major hurricane, then affect the southeastern and central Bahamas.
Verification experts report fake AI-generated videos spreading on platforms like TikTok, including fabricated storm views and destruction scenes.
The Red Cross estimates up to 1.5 million people may be directly affected across the region.