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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five hurricane as it veers towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

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

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With storm-force wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the national capital - advisories emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

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

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Weather Background

Although it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures create more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.