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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it veers toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.