The Emergency Measures Organisation met this afternoon to discuss Hurricane Melissa, as the strongest storm of the year was deemed a threat to Bermuda.

The EMO did not make any decisions regarding potential closures or emergency measures — but is scheduled to meet again tomorrow afternoon.

Any decisions regarding possible service interruptions will be made after consultations with the local forecasters and the US National Hurricane Centre, with residents to be notified immediately.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, advised the public to use this time to prepare for the worst.

He said: “We have all seen how fast things can change with these storms. One day they look like they are not coming our way — the next thing, they are knocking on our doorstep.

“Melissa is already an unprecedented powerful storm. Right now, it looks like it will pass very close to Bermuda.

“We have time to prepare, but that window will close quickly. We cannot afford to take this lightly.”

Hurricane Melissa closed in on Jamaica as a Category 5 today with winds of up to 184mph and gusts reaching almost 220mph.

According to the Bermuda Weather Service, it is expected to pass over the island tonight as a Category 4.

The BWS's 6pm update said the storm was more than 1,245 miles southwest of Bermuda and travelling north-northeast at about 8mph.

Melissa is travelling with winds of almost 144mph and gusts of almost 173mph.

It forecast the storm’s nearest point to the island within the next three days as 69 miles to the northwest at 1am on Friday, but noted that was subject to change.

Mr Weeks recognised that the public might feel “storm-fatigued” after a long hurricane season, or feel secure that Melissa would weaken before reaching Bermuda.

However, he said that “this one is different”.

“It is strong, it is moving our way and if we let our guard down, it could catch us off-guard like storms have done before,” he added.

“We have to use these next few days wisely, secure our homes, check our plans and make sure our families are ready.

“The hurricane season is not over until 30 November. We have to stay ready.”

A BWS graphic showed that the hurricane was expected to have maintain its Category 4 strength until about 3pm tomorrow, where it was fall down to Category 3 and further decreasing in intensity to Category 2 by tomorrow night.

It indicated that the storm would still be classed as a Category 2 hurricane at 1am on Friday and weaken to a Category 1 by 3pm that same day.

The BWS website explained earlier that a “rapid increase in velocity” was predicted for Thursday when Melissa makes her final approach towards Bermuda.

Its forecast discussion added: “Exact track and intensity details are still being ironed out, but it is becoming increasingly likely that a spell of hurricane-force winds will develop Wednesday night into early Thursday.

“With regards weather, showers only slowly fizzle through the day.

“However, much of Thursday then promises to be dry with just isolated showers before more organised rainfall arrives overnight in association with Melissa.

“Thunderstorms may be possible as Melissa passes by and very rough to high seas are now expected to develop with hazardous surf and rip currents.

“A small craft warning is valid into Wednesday morning, while there is a chance for an early thunderstorm advisory too.

“In addition, tropical watches/warnings will need to be considered for Hurricane Melissa in the next day or so.”

The BWS said that conditions were expected to improve rapidly during Friday morning and beyond.

It added: “Any lingering hurricane-force winds will soon clear while very rough to high seas will quickly diminish.”

On its website, the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned people in Jamaica: “This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Take cover now.”

It added: “Catastrophic winds with total structural failure are likely near the path of Melissa’s centre.

“Catastrophic flash flooding, landslides and destructive winds are expected across the remainder of the island, causing widespread infrastructure damage, power and communication outages, and isolated communities.

“Along the southern coast, life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected through the day.”

Warnings and guidance were also issued for Haiti, the Dominican Republic, eastern Cuba, parts of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Belco said the power company was “closely monitoring” the storm and its potential impact.

Its hurricane plan has been triggered to co-ordinate preparations, which include getting spare equipment in place at the eastern and western ends of the island, setting up crew assignments, preparing additional bucket trucks and restocking hurricane kits.

Belco's crisis management team has met twice to review preparation protocols and will continue to meet until the storm has passed.

A Belco spokesman assured the public that, should Melissa have an impact on Bermuda, restoration crews would start work as soon as it was declared safe and continue until “every customer has had power restored”.

Shelly Leman, Belco’s managing director, said: “I urge all residents and businesses to prepare now for potentially high winds overnight Thursday into Friday.

“Please review your own hurricane safety plans and visit our website and social media channels for tips and advice to keep your family and property safe as Hurricane Melissa approaches.”

Any updates on storm-related outages will be available on Belco’s website and social media pages.