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Hurricane Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon category five cyclone as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which had winds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Advisories of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to thirty inches of precipitation and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," inhabitants have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th hurricane in this year's Atlantic storm period, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although Melissa is set to diminish in strength to a fourth-level storm before reaching Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With storm-force gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance well before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation are underway and will cause catastrophic and life-threatening sudden floods and numerous mudslides," advised weather authorities.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"Yet the best way to manage worry and any unease and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being advised to secure their homes with protective bags and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also active for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Expected Trajectory

The hurricane is forecast to pass over Cuba by the middle of the week before moving through the Greater Antilles and emerging into the open ocean.

By the time it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more intense.

Higher ocean heat generate more moisture in the air, contributing to the formation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and likely stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.