Hurricane Melissa strengthened overnight and became a powerful Category 5 hurricane on Monday as it neared Jamaica, which could take a direct hit on Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center said Melissa had 160 mph winds on Monday morning. Category 5 winds begin at 157 mph.

Hurricane Melissa is edging toward Jamaica and is set to make landfall as a historic Category 5 storm. NBC News' Tom Llamas speaks with an American couple stranded there.

The Moormans said they have prepared their belongings and are ready to head into the resort’s central shelter.