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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

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

Climate Background

While it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.