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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and structural damage have been issued as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader the statesman said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to address worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is hard to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems frequently develop.