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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a infrequent category five storm as it turns toward Jamaica, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and rock falls.

This weather system, which had winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

Advisories of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," residents have been told.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A highest-level cyclone is the most powerful category, with winds of at least 157mph.

Even though this storm is set to reduce in intensity to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With storm-force winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over central Jamaica - possibly even the city of Kingston - advisories state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I know that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are very concerned, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the best way to address anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Broader Effects

Advisories are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is anticipated to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Future Course

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level hurricane.

Climate Context

While it is challenging to link specific storms to global warming, experts say it is resulting in meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Prior to the beginning of this season's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast increased storm frequency, citing warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.