Tropical Storm Melissa is close to becoming a hurricane in the Caribbean as it moves slowly toward Jamaica, where hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours.

The storm is forecast to intensify rapidly over the weekend and could reach major hurricane strength by Sunday, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

At 8am Eastern Time (2pm GMT), Melissa was located 260 kilometres south east of Kingston with sustained winds of 110 kilometres per hour.

The system is currently moving west northwest at just 2 kilometres per hour but is expected to gather speed as it strengthens.

A hurricane warning is in place for Jamaica. A hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning have also been issued for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti. Authorities in both countries are urging residents in at-risk areas to prepare for damaging winds and flash flooding.

Rainfall of 15 to 25 inches is expected across southern Hispaniola and Jamaica with local totals possibly reaching 35 inches in parts of Haiti.

Forecasters warn of catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, particularly in southern Haiti where infrastructure is already fragile.

Storm surge along Jamaica’s south coast could reach between five and ten feet depending on the eventual track of the storm. Large waves and hazardous surf are expected to build over the coming days.

Residents in Jamaica, Haiti eastern Cuba the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are being advised to monitor updates closely. Authorities say preparations to protect life and property should be completed as soon as possible.