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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and many landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Environmental Context

Even though it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.