Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.
This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.
Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.
The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.
A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.
Although the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.
With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.
The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"However the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."
Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.
Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.
Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.
This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.
By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.
Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.
Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.
Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.