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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it veers toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Locals are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to connect specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.