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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a rare Category 5 storm as it veers towards Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level storm.

Environmental Context

While it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.