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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.