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Hurricane the storm is predicted to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," residents have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," urged 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 with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Climate Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce greater water vapor in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms often form.