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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent highest-level storm as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and mudslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

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

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many mudslides," advised weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to secure their homes with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also active for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

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

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.