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Cyclone the storm is predicted to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though the hurricane is set to weaken to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

The hurricane is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Context

Even though it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.