Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to bring life-threatening and catastrophic impacts on Jamaica over the weekend and into next week.

The Meteorological Service said the slow-moving storm will likely sit in place and cause several inches of rain between tonight and Friday next week.

Speaking at a press briefing a short while ago, Principal Director of the Met Service Evan Thompson pointed out that Melissa is expected to become a hurricane today and could impact Jamaica as a Category 4 system by next week.

He noted that storm surges are expected, especially in southern and eastern parishes.