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Cyclone the storm is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to reach land by early next week, according to weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While this storm is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being instructed to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Landslides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures produce greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.