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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as the hurricane generates up to 76cm of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

The cyclone is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

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

Even though Melissa is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are very concerned, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather essentials.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Landslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Path

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before moving through the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level storm.

Climate Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create greater water vapor in the air, aiding in the creation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.