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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent category five storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

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

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

While it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.