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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

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

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

Melissa is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.