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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to manage worry and any unease and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.