Forecasters are warning of a “worst case scenario” unfolding for Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa gets even stronger just before it makes landfall.

The hurricane has now caused seven deaths across the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica – those in Jamaica occurred before Melissa had even hit and were in relation to accidents that took place has people prepared for its arrival.

Melissa is expected to cross the coast between 11am and 1pm local time (2am – 4am, Wednesday).

The strongest storm of 2025 and one of the strongest ever in the Atlantic is set to smash into Jamaica, unleashing catastrophic winds and torrential rain on the island nation.

Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 295 km/h and higher gusts, according to the US National Hurricane Centre.

“This is an extremely dangerous and life threatening situation, Take cover now!” the centre warned.

“This is the last chance to protect your life!”

It has also warned of “total structural failure” of buildings on the island of three million people.

Meteorologists say Melissa is not only the most powerful storm of the 2025 Atlantic season but also the fiercest tropical cyclone worldwide this year.

“Melissa’s pressure now down to 896 mb, making it the 5th most intense Atlantic basin hurricane on record (by pressure),” ABC Miami hurricane specialist Michael Lowry said on Tuesday morning, local time.

“With winds now at 180 km/h, Melissa will be the strongest landfalling Atlantic basin hurricane since Dorian in 2019. A worst-case scenario unfolding for Jamaica.”

The hurricane is creeping northeast at just 3.2 km/h, a dangerously slow pace that meteorologists say prolongs the exposure of communities to life-threatening winds and flooding rains.

Officials warn the next 12–24 hours will be the most dangerous. Residents are urged to remain in shelters or secure interior rooms until conditions improve.

Experts warn it may accelerate slightly as it pivots northward, but the slow movement increases the risk of devastation.

Authorities have declared states of emergency and urged residents in coastal and low-lying regions to evacuate.

“The storm’s size means there will be nowhere on the island untouched by severe conditions,” Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness said Monday, warning that roads, power lines, and communication networks could be crippled.

‘Frightening situation for Jamaica’

Authorities are pleading with locals to call family members to take shelter “before it’s too late”.

“This is a frightening situation for Jamaica,” the Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda said via the BBC.

“We hope we have done enough in terms of preparation,” he says.

The Ministry has spent the last week urging people to place sand bags in their homes to guard against flooding, but admits they’ve run into problems convincing people to go to shelters because they feel they must “protect their property as opposed to preserving their lives first”.

Authorities are warning the impacts will likely spread beyond Jamaica.

Haiti and the Dominican Republic are bracing for 150-300mm of rain, raising fears of flash floods and deadly landslides.

Southeastern Cuba is projected to face Melissa as a major hurricane later this week.

Swells are already affecting Hispaniola, eastern Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, and will spread to the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and Bermuda in the coming days, creating life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Meteorologists attribute Melissa’s explosive power to abnormally warm Atlantic waters and favourable atmospheric conditions.

“This is not only a record-breaking hurricane, but also a stark reminder of the influence of a warming climate on extreme weather,” experts say.

The Australian government’s travel advice agency, Smartraveller, has urged Aussies in Jamaica to check media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.

“Transport, including airport closures and flight cancellations, along with essential services, are being impacted. If you’re travelling, contact your airline or travel provider for updates,” Smartraveller warned.

It added that Hurricane Melissa is expected to impact Cuba, Haiti, Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.