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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the best way to address worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.