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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly flash flooding and landslides.

The hurricane, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is expected to hit the coast by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Alerts of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A category five hurricane is the strongest type, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Even though Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level storm before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Preparations

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - advisories emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: worry is natural.

"Yet the best way to manage nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

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

Regional Effects

Warnings are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is projected to bring analogous consequences by the middle of next week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the hurricane have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Context

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to environmental shifts, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce additional humidity in the environment, aiding in the creation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the commencement of this season's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies forecast above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where Atlantic storms typically originate.