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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns toward Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, as reported by hurricane specialists.

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

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall already expected ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the best way to address nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to connect particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the start of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.