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Hurricane the storm is predicted to escalate to a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by Tuesday, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been released as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Threat

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

Although this storm is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - advisories state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

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

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

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Landslides currently triggered by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.