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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.