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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address anxiety and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

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

Future Trajectory

This weather system is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.