Climate scientists have attributed the rapid intensification of Hurricane Melissa, which saw its wind speed double in under 24 hours over the weekend, to the warming of the world's oceans caused by climate change.
Currently a Category 5 storm, the highest classification, Melissa boasts sustained winds exceeding 157 mph (252 kph).
The hurricane is predicted to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, before proceeding across Cuba and the Bahamas by Wednesday.
