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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and mudslides.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rain and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to manage nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is challenging to link specific storms to environmental shifts, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.