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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Context

While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.