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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.