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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane as it turns towards the Caribbean island, delivering life-threatening sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been issued as Melissa brings up to 76cm of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in late autumn.

Highest-Level Hurricane Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Although the hurricane is projected to diminish in strength to a fourth-level hurricane before arriving at the island, authorities said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the island.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-strength wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance long before it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"A multi-day period of harmful winds and torrential rain has started and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," counseled meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to remain prepared."

Residents are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to accumulate essentials.

Wider Effects

Advisories are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the adjacent nation and Cuba's eastern region, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Expected Path

This weather system is predicted to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is predicted to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Context

Although it is challenging to link particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the atmosphere, helping fuel the creation of storms.

Before the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations forecast above-normal activity, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.