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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon category five hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

While the hurricane is projected to weaken to a Category 4 storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it hits the country.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any unease and anxiety is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Weather Connection

Even though it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the development of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies predicted above-normal activity, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around West Africa - where tropical systems typically originate.