The strongest storm to directly hit Jamaica before Melissa was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which made landfall as a category four hurricane, according to the US National Weather Service. Damaging winds and heavy rain have hit eastern Cuba, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

Officials are assessing the damage after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5.  And, how the government shutdown is impacting air traffic controllers.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica Tuesday as the strongest storm to hit the Caribbean island since records were first kept 174 years ago. It is tied for the strongest Atlantic hurricane to ever hit land.

A shutdown deadline that could affect millions of Americans is almost here. Jamaica reels after Hurricane Melissa slams into the island, severely damaging roads and hospitals. And, some White House aides worry what Trump might say about Taiwan ahead of the president’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Travelers are stranded in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa slams into the destination. Here's what happens when a hurricane hits your travel destination.