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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Risk

A category five hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though this storm is projected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected long before it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.