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Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 hurricane as it turns in the direction of the Caribbean island, bringing deadly sudden floods and rock falls.

The cyclone, which registered wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is anticipated to make landfall by midweek, according to hurricane specialists.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th named storm in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Storm Risk

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

Although this storm is projected to weaken to a category four cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, authorities said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "equally strong" when it hits the island.

Immediate Preparations

With storm-force gusts and precipitation predicted to begin long before it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the national capital - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause devastating and dangerous sudden floods and many rock slides," urged weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are worried, who are deeply troubled, and rightfully so: worry is natural.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate basic necessities.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti such as the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the midweek period.

Rock slides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in the country, according to emergency services.

Future Trajectory

This weather system is predicted to cross Cuba by midweek before passing across the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the time it makes contact with the Caribbean nation, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level storm.

Environmental Background

Even though it is hard to link individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is causing meteorological events more prevalent and more severe.

Increased sea temperatures generate additional humidity in the atmosphere, helping fuel the formation of tropical cyclones.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations forecast higher-than-average occurrence, referencing warmer seas and possible more intense weather patterns around West Africa - where Atlantic storms often form.