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Hurricane the storm is forecast to escalate to a rare category five cyclone as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and many rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Environmental Context

Although it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.