Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.
The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.
Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.
Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.
With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.
The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.
"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.
Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.
Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.
The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.
Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.
Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.
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