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Cyclone the storm is forecast to become a uncommon highest-level storm as it shifts towards Jamaica, causing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by early next week, according to weather experts.

Warnings of blackouts and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth storm in this year's Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.

While the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it passes over the island's interior - including potentially the capital, Kingston - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and torrential rain have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple rock slides," counseled meteorological officials.

The nation's leader Andrew Holness stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and timber panels, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Future Path

The hurricane is projected to move across Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and out into the open ocean.

By the point it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is challenging to link individual weather events to global warming, researchers say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the start of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and potential stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes often form.