Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides.
This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.
Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.
Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.
A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."
Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.
Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.
By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.
Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.
Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.
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