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Hurricane Melissa is projected to become a infrequent Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, delivering deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 mph as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering north-west in the Caribbean and is expected to reach land by early next week, as reported by weather experts.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as this storm brings up to 30 inches of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which normally finishes in November.

Most Intense Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is set to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the island, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it strikes the country.

Immediate Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - advisories indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain has started and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised weather authorities.

The nation's leader the official said: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"However the most effective method to address worry and any unease and anxiety is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being advised to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the midweek period.

Rock slides presently generated by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

Melissa is forecast to pass over Cuba by midweek before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to associate specific storms to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.