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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

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

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

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

Although it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

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

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.