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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple landslides," counseled weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the best way to handle worry and any nervousness and concern is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides presently generated by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the moment it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the creation of hurricanes.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and likely enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.