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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

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

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

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

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Course

This weather system is projected to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Connection

Although it is difficult to connect individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected above-normal activity, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.