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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous landslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the best way to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.