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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards Jamaica, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa generates up to thirty inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three storm.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.