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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

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

Wider Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, scientists say it is making climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.