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Hurricane Melissa is projected to escalate to a rare Category 5 cyclone as it shifts in the direction of Jamaica, causing life-threatening sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which recorded winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by early next week, based on data from weather experts.

Warnings of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been announced as the hurricane produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Take cover without delay," residents have been advised.

This hurricane is the thirteenth hurricane in the current Atlantic season, which typically ends in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

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

Although this storm is projected to diminish in strength to a category four hurricane before reaching the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it hits the island.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it moves across the island's interior - perhaps encompassing the capital, Kingston - warnings state that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"Several days of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and numerous landslides," advised climate experts.

The country's head of government the statesman stated: "I understand that there are numerous residents who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage anxiety and any nervousness and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being advised to protect their properties with protective bags and timber panels, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where the hurricane is projected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

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

Future Trajectory

The hurricane is predicted to cross Cuba by Wednesday before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and entering the Atlantic.

By the point it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have reduced to a category three hurricane.

Weather Background

Even though it is challenging to associate individual weather events to global warming, scientists say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, climate agencies forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and possible stronger monsoon activity around West Africa - where hurricanes typically originate.