Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.
The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph (195 km/h) as of 06:00 GMT, is currently moving north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Authorities warn of power cuts and infrastructure damage as Melissa could drop up to 30 inches (76cm) of rain, with sea level surges reaching as high as 13ft (4m) above ground. Seek shelter now is the urgent advice for residents.
Melissa marks the 13th hurricane of this year's Atlantic season, which generally runs until November.
A category five hurricane is classified as the strongest type, with winds exceeding 157 mph. Although Melissa may weaken to a category four before reaching Jamaica, the NHC indicated that the overall impact will remain severe.
Tropical storm-strength winds and rain are expected to commence well before the storm's direct passage over central Jamaica, including the capital, Kingston. Residents are being prompted to expedite their preparations.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reassured the public, stating, I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned. But the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared.
Residents are urged to secure their homes and stock up on essentials as warnings extend to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and parts of eastern Cuba, where similar effects are anticipated by the middle of next week.
Landslides triggered by the hurricane have already claimed two lives in Haiti. Melissa is expected to move over Cuba by Wednesday, likely weakening to a category three storm by that point.
While direct links to climate change are difficult to ascertain for individual weather events, scientists suggest that it contributes to more extreme weather phenomena. Warmer oceans fuel hurricanes by increasing moisture in the atmosphere.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration previously predicted an above-normal hurricane season, attributing this to warmer sea temperatures and enhanced monsoon activity in West Africa, where many Atlantic storms originate.
