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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four storm before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

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

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.