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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and mudslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and numerous rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Weather Context

Although it is hard to link specific storms to climate change, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.