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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a rare category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.

The cyclone, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of blackouts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

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

While this storm is expected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - warnings emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

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

Wider Impact

Alerts are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

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

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three storm.

Climate Background

While it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies projected higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.