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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as this storm generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"However the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

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

Wider Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is difficult to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of storms.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.