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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to handle nervousness and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

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

Environmental Connection

Even though it is challenging to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.