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Hurricane the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

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

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.