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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by Tuesday, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected long before it crosses central Jamaica - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous mudslides," counseled climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman said: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the best way to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Alerts are also active for regions of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is projected to pass over the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three storm.

Weather Context

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing climate patterns increasingly frequent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, aiding in the creation of storms.

Prior to the start of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, mentioning heated marine conditions and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.