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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to become a uncommon category five storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been advised.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Threat

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although this storm is expected to weaken to a category four storm before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and many landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to manage nervousness and any unease and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

Melissa is predicted to move across Cuba by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.