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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

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

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Connection

Although it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.