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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare category five cyclone as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, according to meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "just as powerful" when it impacts the island.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are anxious, who are very concerned, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the optimal approach to handle worry and any unease and worry is to stay ready."

Locals are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to connect specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, mentioning warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.