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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been released as Melissa brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Hurricane Danger

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

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the island.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to manage worry and any apprehension and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Locals are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Path

The hurricane is predicted to cross the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

While it is difficult to associate particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the creation of storms.

Before the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.