Hurricane Melissa is moving towards Jamaica at a terrifying pace, with locals blocking their homes and tourists frantically fleeing.
The cyclone is expected to cause life-threatening flash floods and devastating landslides; Authorities warn that it may become a rare category five storm.
US forecasters predict it will “rapidly intensify” to at least a category four storm when it hits the Caribbean nation early. next week.
Previously, the hurricane was bringing winds of up to 120 mph at 6 a.m. Sunday morning.
But it is now facing the northwest Caribbean and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, weather officials say.
Power outages and damaged buildings are also expected as the sinister cyclone hits Jamaica, a country that has a long history of destructive hurricanes.
A category five hurricane marks the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 mph.
Melissa could bring up to 30 inches of rain and even see sea level rise of up to 13 feet above the ground.
Locals are being asked to seek shelter, with many rushing to stores to stock up on food and supplies in preparation for the approaching storm.
Grocery stores were packed throughout the weekend and Jamaican authorities warned residents to stay indoors. family.
Emergency services were seen clearing debris and preparing storm drains ahead of the huge cyclone.
And tourists were quick to flee the country after it was announced that Montego Bay airport would close at noon on Sunday.
One tourist told local media: “I’m happy to be able to go out.
“I’m sad to have to leave two days early, but we have to get back home in case something really gets worse and worse.”
Melissa will weaken to category four before reaching Jamaica.
But weather officials warned this would make “very little practical difference to the overall impacts” of its feared landing.
Tropical storm-force winds have already passed through Jamaica and neighboring countries, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, where Melissa is also expected to hit.
Shocking images showed cars dragging flooded bridges and roads.
Locals were seen stockpiling goods in preparation for the potentially destructive storm.
The weather agency said: “A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rain has begun that will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides.”
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: “I know there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, very worried, and rightly so: you should be worried.
“But the best way to deal with anxiety and nervousness and worry is to be prepared.”
Landslides caused by the cyclone before its actual arrival have already killed two people in Haiti, authorities confirmed.
Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba on Wednesday, before crossing the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.
It is expected to cool to category three when it reaches Cuba.