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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to weather experts.

Alerts of power cuts and damage to infrastructure have been released as the hurricane brings up to thirty inches of rainfall and coastal flooding as high as thirteen feet above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been urged.

This hurricane is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic season, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the capital, Kingston - alerts emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause devastating and dangerous rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," urged weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"But the best way to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to fortify their houses with sandbags and timber panels, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Broader Impact

Warnings are also active for parts of the neighboring country including the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

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

Expected Course

This weather system is projected to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Antillas Mayores and entering the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate more moisture in the environment, aiding in the formation of storms.

Before the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected above-normal activity, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.