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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers toward Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

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

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to handle worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for areas in the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes typically originate.