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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

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

While Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Course

Melissa is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.