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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti such as the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Weather Background

Even though it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.