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Cyclone the storm is predicted to escalate to a uncommon highest-level cyclone as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering life-threatening rapid inundation and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to reach land by midweek, based on data from meteorological authorities.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa generates up to 30 inches of rain and sea level surges as high as 4m above typical tides. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

Melissa is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in late autumn.

Category Five Storm Threat

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While this storm is set to weaken to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Critical Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it crosses Jamaica's central region - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - alerts indicate that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple rock slides," urged meteorological officials.

The nation's leader the official said: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: worry is natural.

"However the best way to handle worry and any unease and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on basic necessities.

Wider Impact

Advisories are also active for regions of the neighboring country such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation 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 hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

Melissa is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the open ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have reduced to a third-level hurricane.

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events increasingly frequent and more intense.

Warmer oceans produce additional humidity in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Prior to the start of this year's Atlantic storm period, climate agencies predicted increased storm frequency, citing elevated ocean temperatures and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.