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Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

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

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Connection

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.