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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.