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Cyclone the storm is forecast to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and mudslides.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is difficult to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is causing weather phenomena more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing heated marine conditions and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.