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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

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

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain already expected well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the national capital - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Although it is difficult to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

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

Ahead of the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.