Tropical Storm Melissa continues to keep forecasters guessing but predictions now call for rapid intensification into Category 4 hurricane.

Florida residents should keep a close eye on Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to strengthen into a powerful Category 4 hurricane, although current predictions for a Florida impact are low.

Hurricane Melissa was hitting eastern Cuba hard early Wednesday after slamming Jamaica as a Category 5 storm. Maps show its forecast path.

Hurricane Melissa, which is stronger than Hurricane Katrina, is set to bring catastrophic winds, flash flooding and high storm surges to the island of Jamaica.

The prime minister ordered mandatory evacuations as officials braced for tens of thousands to be displaced. Three people were killed and 13 others injured during preparations for the storm, the health minister said.

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to meander the Caribbean at an agonizingly slow pace in the coming days, even as it’s forecast to strengthen into a hurricane, covering as little ground as 2 miles in an hour.