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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Context

While it is hard to link individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the creation of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.