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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Path

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

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

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.