HURRICANE Melissa is barrelling towards Jamaica at terrifying pace – with locals barricading their homes and tourists frantically fleeing.
The cyclone is expected to spark life-threatening flash floods and devastating landslides – with authorities warning it may become a rare category five storm.
US forecasters predict it will “rapidly intensify” into a category four storm at the minimum when it batters the Caribbean nation early next week.
The hurricane previously brought winds of up to 120mph as of 6am on Sunday morning.
But is now facing north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, weather authorities say.
Power cuts and damaged buildings are also expected as the ominous cyclone rips into Jamaica – a country which holds a long history of destructive hurricanes.
A category five hurricane marks the strongest type – with winds of at least 157mph.
Melissa could bring up to 30 inches of rain, and even see sea level rise as high as 13ft above ground.
Locals are being told to seek shelter – with many rushing to shops to stockpile food and supplies in preparation for the upcoming storm.
Grocery stores were packed all weekend – and Jamaican authorities have warned residents to stay inside with family.
Emergency services were seen cleaning debris and preparing storm drains ahead of the huge cyclone.
And tourists rushed to flee the country – after it was announced Montego Bay airport would be closing on Sunday at noon.
One holidaymaker told local media: “I’m happy to get out.
“I’m sad I’m leaving two days earlier, but we have to go home in case something really gets worse and worse and worse.”
Melissa is set to weaken to a category four before reaching Jamaica.
But weather officials warned this would make “very little practical difference in the overall impacts” of its feared landfall.
Tropical storm-strength winds have already passed through Jamaica and neighbouring countries including Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba – which Melissa is also expected to hit.
Shocking images showed cars trawling through flooded bridges and roads.
Locals were seen stockpiling goods in preparation for the potentially destructive storm.
The meteorological agency said: “A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides.”
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: “I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.
“But the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared.”
Landslides caused by the cyclone ahead of its true arrival have already killed two in Haiti, officials confirmed.
Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday – before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.
It is predicted to cool to category three by the time it hits Cuba.
