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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

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

Category Five Storm Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Context

Although it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.