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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Context

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.