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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare category five storm as it turns towards Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.