The Antigua and Barbuda government is finalizing plans to evacuate students studying in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa bears down on the island with winds of up to 175 mph and gusts reaching 241 mph.

Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, said students housed at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston will remain there until further notice. The number of students has now risen to 53.

Merchant, who manages the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme, spent Monday coordinating with students and urging them to take every precaution as the storm approached.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne ordered the relocation of students to the hotel last weekend for their safety, initially for a short stay, but worsening conditions delayed their return.

As of Monday night, Hurricane Melissa — described by forecasters as a “super storm” stronger than 1988’s Hurricane Gilbert — was about 150 miles south of Jamaica. Browne called on Antiguans and Barbudans to pray for Jamaica and said his government stands ready to provide assistance after the storm passes.