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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a rare category five hurricane as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Warnings are also active for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.