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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts toward Jamaica, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as the hurricane brings up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and numerous rock slides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Effects

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

Landslides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to cross the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

While it is difficult to link specific storms to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the development of tropical cyclones.

Before the beginning of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.