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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.