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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle anxiety and any unease and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

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

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Connection

While it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.