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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare Category 5 hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.