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Cyclone Melissa is forecast to become a infrequent highest-level cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and rock falls.

The hurricane, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 06:00 GMT, is currently turning toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall by early next week, according to weather experts.

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

This hurricane is the 13th named storm in the ongoing Atlantic storm period, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Storm Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

Even though Melissa is set to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching Jamaica, authorities said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"Several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and multiple mudslides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I realize that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: concern is justified.

"However the best way to handle worry and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Residents are being instructed to fortify their houses with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Alerts are also ongoing for areas in the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and eastern Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the middle of next week.

Rock slides already being caused by the cyclone have caused two deaths in the country, according to local authorities.

Projected Course

This weather system is forecast to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a Category 3 cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, experts say it is making climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create more moisture in the atmosphere, contributing to the creation of storms.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic hurricane season, weather organizations predicted increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms often form.