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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon category five hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also in effect for regions of the neighboring country 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.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

While it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.