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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems typically originate.