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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to escalate to a rare Category 5 storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is projected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain predicted to begin well before it crosses the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," advised weather authorities.

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

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making climate patterns more common and more intense.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.