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Hurricane the storm is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though the hurricane is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness commented: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in meteorological events more common and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms typically originate.