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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

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

While Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.