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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent Category 5 storm as it shifts towards the Caribbean island, causing life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as this storm brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Hurricane Risk

A highest-level storm is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - advisories state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government Andrew Holness said: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: concern is justified.

"But the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also in effect for parts of Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Course

The hurricane is predicted to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures create additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, citing heated marine conditions and possible stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes often form.