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Hurricane the storm is projected to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been urged.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Hurricane Threat

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin ahead of it moves across the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to address anxiety and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Alerts are also active for areas in Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Path

Melissa is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

While it is difficult to connect individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems often form.