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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been released as this storm brings up to 76cm of precipitation and sea level surges as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Hurricane Threat

A category five cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is expected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall predicted to begin well before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and torrential rain has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many landslides," urged climate experts.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"However the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Consequences

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Path

This weather system is forecast to cross Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the time it arrives at Cuba, it is predicted to have weakened to a Category 3 cyclone.

Climate Context

Even though it is challenging to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the development of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms typically originate.