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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Climate Context

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.