MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica. — Jamaican leaders are warning residents to take Hurricane Melissa seriously as the powerful storm moves closer to the island, threatening damaging winds, flooding and landslides.

“From all indications, this is going to be a direct hit,” officials said Saturday, urging people in vulnerable areas to evacuate before conditions worsen.

Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz cautioned residents against complacency.

“Don’t make foolish decisions,” Vaz said.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness echoed the call for preparedness.

“Now is the time to be prepared,” he said.

Across the island, grocery stores were crowded as people stocked up on food, water and emergency supplies.

Others searching for supplies described dwindling options. “There’s no bread,” one shopper said. Another, Chevon Campbell, added that many were turning to “nonperishable items, such as canned goods.”

Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie said mandatory evacuations are being enforced in flood-prone and low-lying areas. “Based on the extent of this system, there are vulnerable communities in Jamaica,” McKenzie said. “Do not remain in these communities during the passing of this hurricane.”

Melissa has already caused deadly flooding and landslides in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

In Montego Bay, hotels and businesses are boarding up windows and placing sandbags as tourists brace for the storm.

Canadian visitor Anthony McLaughlin said he and his wife were preparing to shelter in place. “I was telling her, stay away from the windows. Don’t follow what everyone else does, wanting to take pictures,” he said. “I know the devastation that can come from it.”

Officials announced that the Kingston airport would close ahead of the storm’s arrival. Shelters across the island have opened, and residents are being urged to gather essential supplies as the next several days remain unpredictable.

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