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Hurricane Melissa is projected to strengthen into a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it shifts toward the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of rain and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," locals have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Highest-Level Storm Danger

A Category 5 storm is the strongest type, with winds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon landfall, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the national capital - alerts state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are extremely apprehensive, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"However the optimal approach to manage worry and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to accumulate necessary supplies.

Regional Effects

Warnings are also in effect for areas in Haiti including the capital, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides presently generated by the storm have already killed two in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is predicted to have diminished to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Although it is hard to connect particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat create greater water vapor in the atmosphere, aiding in the development of tropical cyclones.

Ahead of the start of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities projected increased storm frequency, mentioning elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.