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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening rapid inundation and mudslides.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain already expected ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Climate Background

Even though it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.