Hurricane the storm Intensifies While Heads In the Direction of the Island Nation

Cyclone the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.