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Cyclone Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five cyclone as it shifts towards Jamaica, bringing dangerous rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by midweek, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as Melissa generates up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A highest-level storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the nation.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and intense precipitation have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple landslides," urged meteorological officials.

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

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

Residents are being advised to secure their homes with sand barriers and timber panels, and to gather basic necessities.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for areas in Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the air, helping fuel the development of storms.

Ahead of the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where hurricanes frequently develop.