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Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a rare category five storm as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as Melissa produces up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Risk

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

While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before making landfall on the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it passes over the island's interior - possibly even the national capital - advisories indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

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

Residents are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Broader Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

This weather system is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a category three storm.

Environmental Background

While it is hard to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.