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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.