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Hurricane the storm is projected to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, 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 be prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.