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Cyclone the storm is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it veers towards Jamaica, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm produces up to thirty inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

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

While the hurricane is expected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: concern is justified.

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

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Context

Even though it is difficult to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the start of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.