Hurricane Melissa was this morning deemed a threat to Bermuda as the strongest storm of the year closed in on Jamaica.

The system was a Category 5 as it approached the Caribbean island.

It had winds of up to 184mph and gusts reaching almost 220mph, the Bermuda Weather Service said in its midday update.

The BWS said then that Melissa was 1,285 miles southwest of Bermuda, travelling north-northeast at 9mph.

It forecast the storm’s nearest point to the island within the next three days as 43 miles to the west-northwest at 1am on Friday but noted that was subject to change.

A BWS graphic showed that the hurricane was expected to have dropped to category 4 strength by 9pm today, down to category 3 by 9am tomorrow 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 9pm on Thursday but is expected to weaken to a category 1 by 9am on Friday.

The BWS website explained earlier that a “rapid increase in velocity” is 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 sees 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 Emergency Measures Organisation is expected to meet this afternoon, after which advice will be issued to the public.

The BWS said that conditions are 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 & Caicos Islands.