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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a uncommon category five storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.