Hurricane Melissa is slamming eastern Cuba on Wednesday morning, Oct. 29, after hammering Jamaica on Tuesday and causing widespread damage.

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.

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba — Hurricane Melissa was grinding across Cuba on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm after pummeling Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

Will Hurricane Melissa maintain its strength?

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.

The U.S. Air Force Reserve's "Hurricane Hunters" squadron flew into Hurricane Melissa to gather data for National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Melissa is now among the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record. The monster storm strengthened Tuesday before hitting Jamaica, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph).

The U.S. Air Force's "Hurricane Hunters" have flown inside the eye of Hurricane Melissa, capturing eerie footage of the historic storm that is expected to cause widespread devastation in Jamaica.