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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a rare category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.