“They are barricading the houses, and others who think they are more vulnerable, they are moving into shelters,” added Dr Lindsay, who lives in Birmingham.
National Hurricane Center warned of “catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding” to Jamaica.
The US-based group expects between 15in (38cm) and 30in (76cm) of rainfall to hit Jamaica, with extensive rain in Cuba and the south-eastern Bahamas, bringing “numerous landslides”.
There were similar warnings in Haiti, Dominican Republic and south-eastern Bahamas.
Three “storm-related deaths” were reported in Jamaica on Monday evening ahead of the hurricane’s landfall, Jamaica’s ministry of health and wellness said on X.
“I have sent out a message to my members and other church leaders, community leaders yesterday,” Dr Lindsay said.
“So we must begin to prepare and plan. If help and action is needed, if the worst occurs.
“So we are on standby as it is as the moment.”
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for countries and territories across the region impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Airports are currently closed, and holidaymakers and British nationals residing in Jamaica are advised to follow the advice of local authorities, “especially in the event of any evacuation orders”, as well as tour operators.
The Foreign Office is also pointing people to where they can find a list of shelters, external on the island.
