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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare category five storm as it veers toward Jamaica, causing deadly flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to hit the coast by midweek, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to 30 inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in this year's Atlantic season, which typically ends in November.

Most Intense Cyclone Danger

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is expected to diminish in strength to a category four storm before reaching Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it impacts the nation.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation predicted to begin well before it moves across Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall has started and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and many rock slides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to address anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to fortify their houses with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Regional Consequences

Advisories are also in effect for areas in the neighboring country encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides presently generated by the cyclone have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to local authorities.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

Although it is hard to connect individual weather events to environmental shifts, experts say it is making weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Increased sea temperatures produce more moisture in the environment, helping fuel the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, weather organizations predicted higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where tropical systems frequently develop.