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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.