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Cyclone the storm is projected to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Threat

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

Although Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall already expected long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.