Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.
The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.
Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.
Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.
A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.
Although this storm is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".
"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," advised meteorological officials.
The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."
Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.
Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.
Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.
By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.
While it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.
Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.
Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.
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