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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

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

Warnings of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is expected to weaken to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance long before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and many mudslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Advisories are also active for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Environmental Background

Although it is difficult to associate individual weather events to climate change, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.