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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans create additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.