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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon category five cyclone as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Consequences

Alerts 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 the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to link specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.