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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a rare Category 5 storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

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

Even though the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.