An Atlanta-area chef is anxiously waiting for word from his family in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa batters the island with destructive wind, rain and storm surge. Chef Andrew Cohen has not heard from his 16-year-old daughter or any relatives in Jamaica since Monday.

Hurricane Melissa intensified to a Category 5 storm on Monday and continued to strengthen as it moved closer to Jamaica, where it was forecast to cause life-threatening flash flooding, landslides, and devastating damage to infrastructure. It arrived on the island’s southwestern coast around noon local time Tuesday.

The Caribbean storm — among the most powerful in history, with 185 mph winds — is expected to bring flash-flooding and landslides as it slowly moves across the island and heads north toward Cuba.

Influencer Hannah Grubbs is under fire after sharing lighthearted vacation videos about her trip to Jamaica just as Hurricane Melissa — a Category 5 storm — barreled toward the island. With at least seven lives already lost in other parts of the Carribbean,

Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans At Home, also known as the JAHJAH Foundation, partnered with the owner of the Original Dumpling Shop in the Bronx to create a drop-off location for donations. The owner says donors don't need to call ahead; just stop by during operating hours.

Hurricane Melissa crossed Jamaica on Oct. 28, one of the strongest storms on record in the Atlantic basin. Officials said it’s too early to assess the damage.