Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.
This weather system, which registered winds of up to 195 km/h as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.
Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.
This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.
A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.
Although Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.
With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," counseled weather authorities.
Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.
"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."
Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.
Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.
Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.
By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.
Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.
Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.
Elena Vance is a digital strategist with over a decade of experience in UK business consulting, specializing in technology-driven growth solutions.