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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

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

While Melissa is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the most effective method to handle nervousness and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems often form.