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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

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

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the air, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.