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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a uncommon highest-level storm as it veers toward Jamaica, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled climate experts.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the moment it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three hurricane.

Weather Connection

While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems often form.