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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a rare Category 5 storm as it shifts in the direction of the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in the current Atlantic season, which normally finishes in late autumn.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 cyclone is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin ahead of it moves across Jamaica's central region - possibly even the city of Kingston - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"However the most effective method to manage nervousness and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Landslides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Course

The hurricane is predicted to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Climate Context

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is causing climate patterns more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, referencing elevated ocean temperatures and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.