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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 cyclone as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing 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 toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Alerts of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a category four cyclone before arriving at Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Critical Safety Steps

With storm-force gusts and precipitation already expected ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many mudslides," advised climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the most effective method to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being advised to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to gather basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also active for areas in the neighboring country including the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

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

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to cross the island nation by midweek before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm.

Weather Context

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more severe.

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

Prior to the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.