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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

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

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Connection

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.