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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.