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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the official said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.