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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a rare highest-level cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to reach land by Tuesday, based on data from weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as this storm produces up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Danger

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

Even though the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous landslides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is projected to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three storm.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to link specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the air, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and potential stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.