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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Connection

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.