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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides already being caused by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes frequently develop.