Conditions are rapidly worsening across Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa, an extremely dangerous Category 5 storm, moves slowly toward the island.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami warned that catastrophic winds, flash flooding and life-threatening storm surge are expected to hit today.

At 9am Irish time, Melissa was centred about 180 kilometres west-southwest of Kingston, with maximum sustained winds of 280 kilometres per hour.

The storm is moving north-northeast at about 7 kilometres per hour and is forecast to make landfall on Jamaica later today before crossing southeastern Cuba on Wednesday and reaching the Bahamas soon after.

Meteorologists warned that within the eyewall of the storm, total structural failure is likely, particularly in elevated areas where wind speeds could be up to 30 per cent stronger.

Kingston and Montego Bay have already recorded gale-force gusts as the outer bands sweep across the island.

Rainfall totals of up to 75 centimetres (750 mm) are forecast for parts of Jamaica, with the potential for catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides.

Eastern Cuba is expected to receive up to 50 centimetres (500 mm) of rain, while the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos could see 25 centimetres (250 mm).

A life-threatening storm surge of up to four metres (4000 mm) is predicted along Jamaica’s south coast, accompanied by large and destructive waves. Similar surges are expected along parts of Cuba’s southeast coast as the hurricane moves on.

Hurricane warnings are in effect for Jamaica, eastern Cuba and the southeastern and central Bahamas. Warnings for Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands have also been issued as the system continues to intensify.

Residents have been urged to complete all preparations and take shelter immediately. Authorities in Bermuda are also being advised to monitor the storm’s progress as it moves northeast later this week.