Jamaica is bracing for what could be the strongest storm to hit the island in decades: Hurricane Melissa. The cyclone is currently making its way towards Jamaica, having already torn through Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica has ordered the evacuation of its capital as it braces for what’s thought to become the most “catastrophic” hurricane in the island’s history.

Elaine Thompson-Herah sent a cautionary message to fellow Jamaicans as Hurricane Melissa approached to hit the coast.

Nearly 900 shelters have opened around the country for residents to hole up in as Hurricane Melissa passes through, bringing rainfall totals "we've never heard before".

With Jamaica bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the country’s major utility providers say they are as prepared as possible for the powerful system but warn that recovery efforts may require rebuilding,