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Cyclone the storm is predicted to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Threat

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

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the nation.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

While it is hard to connect individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.